The Puparn Royal Development Study Centre was founded on November 25, 1982, in Sakon Nakhon Province in Northeastern Thailand, an area that faces problems of soil deterioration, water shortage, forest encroachment as well as the lack of technical knowledge on agriculture. The Centre covers an area of around 2,300 rai (368 hectares) with an adjacent natural forest area of about 11,000 rai (1,760 hectares). The Centre helps local people develop new and appropriate development methods, and receive occupational training. It also serves to protect the forest, an important watershed source, as well as to promote the development of model cooperative villages and appropriate irrigation systems.
The Centre has helped find good varieties of rice suitable for the conditions of the area and popular among farmers. It has been successful in increasing production yields of various crops such as soybean, legume, maize and vegetables. Vetiver grass has shown satisfactory performance in preventing soil erosion and increasing topsoil.
One of its key activities is the “New Theory Demonstration Project” designed for the study and experimentation of appropriate agricultural techniques, which enable small-scale farmers to have enough agricultural production for year-round consumption and eventually become self-reliant.
In addition, team work has been promoted among farmers to urge them to work closely and systematically under a Master Plan. Lastly, the Centre has organized several training courses for farmers to equip them with the basic knowledge necessary for making a livelihood.
The study, research and experimentation conducted in the Centre have enabled farmers, villages, government officials and NGOs, to learn and adopt new and appropriate methods of development. In addition to agriculture, the promotion of cottage industry is a key activity. This involves promotion, guidance and training of the people in activities such as weaving, dyeing cloth, producing household furniture from bamboo, and metal working.
Visitors are welcome but need to inform the center in advance. It provides 8 rooms with air-condition and four rooms with fan. It also provides a conference room with air-condition.
For further information, please contact The Puparn Royal Development Study Centre, Huai Yang Subdistrict in Muang District, Sakon Nakhon