Flooding in Nakhon Ratchasima boosts income with tadpole sales
Heavy rainfall in Nakhon Ratchasima has led to flooding in several areas, prompting locals to catch tadpoles in rice fields. These tadpoles are used in traditional dishes, reducing household expenses and generating additional income as they sell for 300 baht per kilogramme.
Recent reports indicate that various parts of Nakhon Ratchasima province have experienced rainfall, which has moistened the soil and rice fields. In Khun Thong subdistrict, Bua Yai district, this rain has resulted in the flooding of agricultural lands. The excess water has created an environment conducive to the reproduction of frogs and toads, leading to an abundance of tadpoles, locally known as Ih-wok.
Residents have seized this opportunity to gather these tadpoles using fishing nets and other equipment. The tadpoles are known for their good taste and are used in various local dishes such as tadpole chilli paste, tadpole soup, and tadpole curry with pickled bamboo shoots. Besides domestic consumption, these tadpoles are also sold to traders who come to buy them, providing a supplementary source of income during the farming season.
Chanta Kaewphaitoon, a 57 year old resident of Khok Klang village in Khun Thong subdistrict, shared her experience. She noted that the Bua Yai district had recently faced severe drought, making it impossible for farmers to cultivate their fields, leading to a lack of income for their families. However, the recent rainfall has improved the conditions, bringing moisture to the land and encouraging small creatures to forage, mate, and lay eggs.
Chanta and her neighbours have been catching tadpoles in the rice fields to use in family meals, which helps reduce household expenses. When they catch a large amount, they sell some to traders at 300 baht per kilogramme, who then resell them in local markets, reported KhaoSod.
“The rain has brought much-needed relief after the drought. Now we can catch Ih-wok, which helps us save on food costs and earn some extra money.”
The sale of tadpoles at local markets has proven to be a profitable venture, especially considering the high demand and good prices.
