The staff and children at Baan Tharn Namchai have been busily making enhancements and new structures with the agricultural plot to make way for new agricultural activities for the children and the local community.
The aim of these agricultural activities are for all children living at Baan Tharn Namchai and the villagers in the local community to visit and learn about organic farming, as well as being an additional source of income for the home, from the sale of surplus produce at the local markets.
There are five key agricultural activities undertaken:
- Raising Freshwater fish
- Raising chickens and domestic fowl.
- Raising the Boer goats
- Mushroom cultivation
- Organic fruits and vegetables
Freshwater Fish Pond
The Freshwater fish are raised in a large pond which currently is growing 500 freshwater fish which are about 2 months old. The children take turns helping to feed the fish in the pond of a morning and afternoon. They also use the water in the pond to water the plants they plant in the garden. The pond also serves as water storage through the dry season, helping to support growth of fruits and vegetables all year around.
Chickens and Goats
The team are in the process of preparing the chicken house and goat pen which is expected this month (March 2020) we will be able to begin to breed chickens and goats. The laying chickens and goats are a great activity for children of all ages at the home to participate in as a leisure activity whilst learning about tending to animals. It supplies the kids with fresh eggs to be used to cook in the kitchen as well as chicken manure to be used to make organic fertiliser for growing our organic vegetables.
Mushroom Cultivation Nursery
For the past month the children and team at Baan Tharn Namchai have been cultivating black Pleurotus Pulmonarius mushrooms that are popular in the local market. Currently we have 1 mushroom house, containing 2000 pieces of mushroom culture. The children who are in charge this activity come to collect the mushrooms and water them in the morning before and after school.
Organic Fruits and Vegetables
A wide range of organic fruits and vegetables are grown across the garden including young Nam-Hom Coconut, Mango, Gooseberry, Mangosteen, Guava and Sweet Bamboo. The fruits are used in the kitchen with surplus fruits sold at the local market. The kids love to learn how to grow the fruits and vegetables and take great pride in harvesting them.
