The female district chief of Ban Pong, Ratchaburi Province, led the planting of kitchen vegetables under the "This House Has Love, Grow Your Own Vegetables" project, following the royal initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, hoping to set an example that helps reduce food expenses and costs.
On 20 March, Ms. Kulthida Phaya, the Ban Pong district chief of Ratchaburi Province, said she, together with government officials and staff from various agencies, participated in the kitchen vegetable planting activity "This House Has Love, Grow Your Own Vegetables" to promote food security. Participants also learned how to make survival pots or water-saving pots, an innovation acting like a monkey cheek to conserve water and keep plants alive even without watering for 15 days. The event was held at the Ban Pong District Office, with Mr. Suthon Saentancharoen from the Agricultural Productivity Demonstration Center in Ratchaburi serving as the instructor.
This activity is part of implementing the royal initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn under the "This House Has Love, Grow Your Own Vegetables" project, aiming for tangible results starting with leaders setting examples. The district chief planted kitchen vegetables in front of her residence as a model for villagers and community leaders to replicate. This not only helps reduce expenses and enhance food security but also allows the produce to be shared with officials and visitors to government offices. Any surplus can be sold to generate additional income. Additionally, the water-saving pot innovation was introduced to address the challenge of growing vegetables in limited spaces and promote water-wise usage, providing a guideline for households amid global warming and water shortages.
Mr. SuthonsaidWater-saving pots work by mimicking the earth's structure with soil layers, air layers, and underground water layers. Using old water or paint buckets sized 10–20 liters combined with appropriately sized baskets, a balanced water management system is created by drilling holes and installing drainage pipes to maintain a constant moisture level at 25%. An underground air tunnel is formed using plastic baskets to allow plant roots to breathe. This system maintains relative soil moisture for 7–15 days without watering, enabling plants to grow without root rot. It is suitable for all types of kitchen vegetables because it balances air circulation and water. Those interested in learning more about making water-saving pots can contact the Agricultural Productivity Demonstration Center, Tha Pha Subdistrict, Ban Pong District, Ratchaburi Province, or reach out via the Facebook page of Suthon Saentancharoen at phone number 08-1945-6925.