BANGKOK: Beloved pygmy hippopotamus Moo Deng is lending a hoof to help Thai rice farmers recover from devastating floods that struck the northern region earlier this year.
The campaign aims to assist rice farmers in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces who lost their crops to the floods.
Many of these farmers, particularly those practising organic agriculture, are facing significant financial hardship as their year-end harvest was washed away.
Moo Deng, a resident of Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, serves as a goodwill ambassador for the “Moo Deng Rice to Support Flood Victims” campaign under the Thailand Rice Fest 2024, which takes place at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre from December 12 to 15.
According to Thailand Rice Fest, the campaign will focus on supporting two specific groups of flood-affected farmers:
Thung Tum Por Group: This network of community enterprises in Teng District, Chiang Rai, represents 280 families across two sub-districts whose 1,300 rai of organic rice fields were ravaged by floods. The group practises sustainable agriculture, utilising rice straw as a food source for fish, pig manure as fertiliser, and works to minimise waste.
New Theory Agriculture Theory Loving Group: This larger farming group in Ban Dai Subdistrict, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai, consists of 10 members who lost their harvest across 166 rai of organic rice fields.
The campaign also aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty eradication and sustainable agriculture, and promises that proceeds, after expenses, will directly benefit the farmers involved.
Supporters can order quality organic rice via the Tejai platform (https://taejai.com/th/project/dst-moodengrice) until December 20th or directly from the Zoo Authority of Thailand’s booth at the festival.
Donations are tax-deductible in Thailand. Each 200-baht contribution allows sponsors to receive 1 kilogramme of organic Hom Mali 105 brown rice, a thank-you card featuring a Moo Deng illustration, and free delivery within Thailand (excluding international shipping).
Proceeds, after deducting expenses, will be directly distributed to the Thung Tum Por Group and the New Theory Agriculture Theory Loving Group.
The campaign aims not only to provide financial assistance to flood-affected farmers but also offer a message of hope and solidarity. By purchasing Moo Deng rice, supporters can contribute to the recovery of these crucial agricultural communities and ensure Thai farmers can continue to provide high-quality rice for years to come. - The Nation/ANN
