The majority of the population of the Isan Region of North-Eastern Thailand works in
agriculture. Before the National Economic and Social Development Plan was implemented
about forty years ago, the majority of farmers used natural methods to grow their crops.
Following the introduction of the plan, the farmers began to use chemical aids when
growing their crops in the field. This change resulted in many environmental problems. The
agricultural products also had a negative effect on the health of consumers. As a result,
research has been undertaken to find natural components for organic fertilizers and there
has been a drive towards natural agricultural methods so to minimize the harmful sideeffects
of chemicals on the environment. However, the new organic fertilizers must still
benefit agriculture in the same ways and to the same standards as chemically manufactured
fertilizers. They must display characteristics of alternative agriculture, or sustainability, and
ensure a balance between agriculture and nature. This research has two aims. The first aim
is to study the background of the Kyusei Nature Farming System and the second aim is to
study the adaptation of farmers in the Isan region to the methods of the Kyusei Nature
Farming System. This study is a cultural qualitative research. The data were collected using
document study, field study, basic survey, unstructured interview, structured interview,
participant and non-participant observation and focus groups. The data obtained were then
analyzed to address the problems found under the two aims. The result of this study found
that Kyusei Nature Farming is an agricultural system formed from the principles and
philosophy of Mokichi Okada (Meishu-sama), a Japanese man who believed in learning the
power of nature by maintaining the integrity of the soil, and followed the philosophy that
Nature Farming is giving the soil life. These beliefs conform to nature and consider the
ecosystem by using Effective Microorganisms. Dr. Teruo Higa discovered and
disseminated these principles. The Effective Microorganisms were imported to Thailand in
the year 1986 and the Kyusei Nature Farming Centre was found in Saraburi Province under
the authority of Sekai Kyusei Kyo (The Church of World Messianity). The centre was open
to everybody for the study of agriculture, domestic animals, fishery or the environment.
With regards the adaptation of farmers in the Isan region to the methods of the Kyusei
Nature Farming System, it was found that they initially altered their own standpoint
towards chemical substances when they came to learn the theory, practice the methods and
observe the realities of the Kyusei Nature Farming network in other areas of Thailand. The
farmers began to adopt the Nature Farming methods when they realized the potential
benefits for themselves, their families and the larger community. The benefits included
increased profit margins through lowering of costs, following the philosophy of
‘Sufficiency Economy’, which theorizes that one should try to live life by self-sufficient
means. The research concludes that Nature Farming in the Isan Region of Thailand at the
present time is an alternative form of agriculture, one method of many. The general
population also accepts and implements this theory. The methods are implemented because
they are part of a government policy, which gives the farmers importance, support, a higher
monetary income and ensures that all food produced is safe and nutritious. This policy will
develop the farming community as a strong and socially important group in the future.