News
Thailand’s Royal Project Foundation (RPF) Supports Biocontrol and Market Access for IPM Farmers in Petchabun, January 2009
 Since 2005, the Thai Government, with technical and financial support from the FAO Vegetable IPM Programme (project GCP/RAS/209/NOR), has been engaged in the rearing and field releases of the parasitoid Diadegma semiclausum for the control of Plutella xylostella (or Diamond Back Moth, DBM) in highland brassica production systems in Thap Boek, Lomkao district, Phetchabun province and the organic farms of the Royal Project Foundation (RPF) in Doi Angkhang, Chiangmai. Parasitoid field releases in Thap Boek were done in conjunction with season-long Farmer Field Schools (FFS) that provided the necessary IPM training to farmers. Surveys have shown that the parasitoid is now established in Thap Boek and is providing solid biological control of DBM populations. As a result, farmers have cut their pesticide use and have gained confidence in practising sustainable cabbage production through the use of biocontrol and applying IPM knowledge.
In February 2008, IPM Farmers and IPM Trainers from Petchabun visited Nong Hoi, Doi Angkhang, Chiang Mai and observed Royal Project Foundation (RPF) projects on GAP and organic farming, cropping systems and management of soil erosion. The farmers learned that soil erosion, which is a serious problem in Petchabun, can be prevented by constructing terraces. The farmers also learned about crop diversification, important for pest population regulation and year-round production of a variety of different crops for better market access and stable farm incomes.
 In January 2009, recognizing the market potential of higher quality IPM produce the Royal Project Foundation committed to support IPM farmers’ groups and the local DoAE as to continue biological control initiatives not only for Diamond Back Moth in cabbage but also for other pests in other vegetables in Petchabun. In addition to provision of market access for IPM farmers and support for infrastructure development such as water reservoirs for year-round irrigation, an estimated 500,000TBH per year is contributed for services of staff engaged in -and materials for production of- biological control agents. These “buy-ins” by local governments and other private institutions into IPM FFS and production of biocontrol agents like Diadegma semiclausum is important for long-term sustainability of IPM/biocontrol activities in the Phetchabun highlands. It also signifies a major success of FAO technical and financial assistance to the Thai Government in that the initial investments have now translated into a major undertaking by the governments and private institutions independent of external assistance.
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TTDI Hosts Regional Workshop on Curriculum Development for IPM-FFS and ToT
on Cassava Production and Pink Mealybug Management
21-25 November, Korat, Thailand |
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Mid-Term Evaluation of Regional Programme“Towards a Non-Toxic Environment in Southeast Asia”
3-19 November 2011, Bangkok, Thailand |
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Mini TOT on Fruit Fly IPM in Vientiane Province,
Lao PDR (3-7 October 2011) |
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Kampong Cham Organic Chilli Farmers Hold Reflection Workshop Kampong Cham, Cambodia, 27 October 2010 |
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FAO Holds Technical Consultation and Debriefing of Technical Cooperation Project Formulation Mission on Ecological Management and Biological Control of Cassava Pink Mealybug Bangkok, Thailand, 14-16 June 2010 |
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APPPC Holds 26th Session in Delhi
31 August-4 September 2009 |
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Cambodia National IPM Programme Collaboration with FAO
GCP/RAS/217/IFA on Organic Chilli Production and Marketing
Cambodia, 7 July 2009 |
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Asia Participation in IPM Week
Rome, 25-29 May 2009 |
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Vietnam National IPM Programme and CGFED Organize “Workshop on Potential Impacts of Pesticide Use in Agricultural Production to Health of Vietnamese Women, Food Security and Food Safety" Hanoi, 8 May 2009 |
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Iran IPM Team Study Tour to Vietnam
7-14 May 2009 |
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Cambodia MAFF Minister Visits IPM Farmers, 28 December 2008 |
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