Thai farmers use occasion of Royal Ploughing Day to start crops

Farmers across Uthai Thani province were seen planting crops early May 9 ahead of the Royal Ploughing Ceremony taking place in Bangkok. 

Many are participating in the government’s civil-state inspired large plot program, joining their farms to create a unified field. Up to 63 local farmers joined their plots to create a field spanning 1,500 Rai. 

In Nakhon Sawan, where the drought situation is persisting, farmers said that they would still plant their seeds today, believing that starting crops on this auspicious day will lead to a good harvest. 

Rains in the northeastern region over the weekend meanwhile boosted morale among farmers in Nakhon Ratchasima and Buriram, providing them with sufficient water to start their crops. 

Agriculturalists in other provinces also performed a range of traditional ceremonies to further increase the fortunes of their fields, which have been heavily impacted by widespread drought.