Credit for reforestation .. Fulfilling farmers in 11 provinces

"Over the past 53 years, we have given credit to farmers to fund their careers in over 7 million households. But it appears that there is yet another group of farmers that cannot access the funding source Because there is no land for farming Some are arable in forest areas. Therefore lacking collateral to apply for loans, BAAC has therefore established a reforestation project to generate income. To help increase revenue Improving the quality of life of farmers And motivating farmers to help protect the environment "

Mr. Apirom Sukprasert, Manager of the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), tells the origin of the launch of the Reforestation Loan. First time in Thailand In Ban Dong Pasak area, Phu Phiang district, Nan province … grants loans to more than 100 farmers in the first group.

To solve the problem of forest encroachment Increase community forest area Reduce monocropping with price risk and trade protection measures. As well as promoting production adjustment to grow a variety of crops Along with forest care and planting trees to increase forest areas. According to the 3 types of forest planting guidelines, 4 benefits such as planting edible trees, usable trees and economic trees. Resulting in revolving income Can reduce production costs and reduce household expenses According to self-reliance economy

With the target of 50,000 client farmers participating in the project with an area of ​​500,000 rai in 11 watershed forests, namely Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Phrae, Nan, Phayao, Lampang, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Tak and Loei … with no individual loan amount More than 100,000 baht

Which farmers are interested in participating in the project Must be a client farmer who wants to change careers to create additional income. And passed the proficiency assessment in accordance with the bank's criteria Interest-free payment of principal within the first 5 years from the date of request for loan Calculated interest rates from Year 1-3 MRR-3 … Year 4-6 MRR-2 … Year 7-9 is equal to MRR-1 … Year 10 onwards MRR (currently 6.875% per year )

The farmer's land, the client that can participate in the project must be Land with title documents Including land that is allowed by the government to use and other government-licensed land

Mr. Chatchapong Kulthephom, one of the farmers in Ban Dong Pa Sak, who received a loan for reforestation, said that in the past, he used to grow corn and rubber plantations. Not enough income and expenses. Therefore changed the area of ​​integrated farming by rubber plantation along with teak plantation, forest plantation and rambutan orchard plantation, planting local vegetables Resulting in increased income when the BAAC opened a reforestation project Therefore join the project To finance the development of arable land Planting teak, adding gardens and other additional plants Which aside from creating a sustainable income Is also increasing the area of ​​community forests And be a part in preserving the environment.

Chartchai Siripat