Colombian officials study Thailand’s alternative crop project

 

Bangkok (NNT/VNA) – A contingent of deputy ministers from Colombia has taken part in a study tour of Thai alternative economic crops grown under a Royal Project in Nan province. 

Director for Illicit Crops Substitution of Colombia Eduardo Diaz Uribe led the group to Nan’s Ta Wang Pa district to observe its Sufficiency Economy Reforestation project. The group met with members of the local community and studied their way of life, culture and local wisdoms along with their approach to land management and environmental conservation.

The focus of the trip was to see how the community has shifted to new economic crops to replace the planting of illicit coca, the main ingredient in the drug cocaine.

The group indicated Colombia has begun supplementing coca crops with coco, coffee and bean farms but have not had as high success as seen in Thailand.

The contingent remarked that over the past 30 years, Colombia’s approach to ending the planting of coca has been flawed and led to conflict between its people and government. It is hoped that the lessons learned in Thailand will help it overcome the issue.

The trip was the second for Colombia, which has stepped up discussions with the Thai government on ending drug production.-VNA