Poles are for climbing at Phuket Agricultural Fair

PHUKET: Seven kinds of goats could be found behind Tesco Lotus in Cherng Talay on Monday and Tuesday this week, during Cherng Talay’s ninth annual agricultural fair, which also entertained local residents with durian races, pole-climbing matches, cooking contests and animal competitions.

“Tourism in Phuket has made agricultural jobs less important,” said Cherng Talay Subdistrict Administrative Organization (OrBorTor) President Ma-ann Samran. “However, agriculture is the traditional occupation of the Thai people.”

“Agriculture in Phuket supports tourism in two ways – by providing locally produced food and by being an attraction for tourists who want to see local agricultural practices,” he said.

“I want to support the farmers by giving them information about how to improve their products and add more value to them.

“I also want Phuket residents and tourists to understand how important agriculture is,” Mr Ma-ann said.

The agriculture fair has become an annual tradition in Cherng Talay, which Mr Ma-ann says he plans to continue.

— Saran Mitrarat