Cows boost land-reform farm income
Two million cows worth Bt24 billion are being raised on 27.18 million rai of redeveloped land in 69 provinces, according to the Agricultural Land Reform Office.
"They are a major a source of extra income there now," said secretary-general Anan Phoosithiphol said. He said the land-reform fund was offering low-interest loans for community ventures and cattle-breeders were expected to borrow 45 per cent of the Bt900-million budget this year. In 2006 the fund lent Bt200 million to buy 30,000 calves. He said land-reform areas nationwide could graze another two million cows. Farmers are breeding calves for sale and meat, and cattle are appreciated as fertiliser-producers too: dung saves on chemical fertiliser. Anan said provincial authorities were campaigning to teach breeding techniques, as well as providing vaccinations and artificial insemination. "Government can help farmers maximise the use of land and achieve sustainable development," he said. "We reckon a farmer gets Bt4,500 a month extra from keeping a cow."
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