3.8 Additional Activities
Additional activities included:
3.8.1 Training Course for Making Handicrafts from Vetiver Leaves: The training course was
aimed at offering an alternative way of generating income from vetiver leaves. Farmers from three
villages: Sapphongphot and Kut Dok villages in Nakhon Ratchasima province, and Huai Suea Ten
village in Kalasin province were trained. The trainers of the course were provided by the
Department of Industrial Promotion.
3.8.2 Cassava Development Village: Since the year 2000, DOAE has supplemented the
project’s implementation by setting up so-called “Cassava Development Villages”. Farmers in a
few selected villages received special training to gain more knowledge and a clearer understanding
about the need to conserve the soil resources while simultaneously generating higher yields and
income. The planting of vetiver grass hedgerows across the slope and the planting of green
manures to increase soil fertility were promoted. DOAE provided the farmers with planting
material of good cassava varieties, with chemical fertilizer, and with vetiver slips on the condition
that they return the value of these materials to the village-revolving fund after harvest. The rate of
interest to be paid was agreed upon by the villagers. Furthermore, the members voted to elect the
‘Fund Administration Committee’, which comprised at least a chairman, a vice-chairman, a
treasurer, and a secretary. Rules and regulations were voted on by the members.