Buddhist Approach to Farming of Baan Na-Kwang, Donfai Sub-district, Meatha District, Lampang Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: 1) to study the concept of Buddhist farming; 2) To study the problems of agriculture for farmers; 3) To propose a Buddhist farming for the farmers at Baan Na-Kwang community, Don Fai sub-district, Mae Ta district, Lampang province. This research is qualitative research and the tools are based on documentary study, in-depth interview and focus group discussion. The key informants are thirty-nine people. It is an analysis of the Buddhist farming that are suitable for farmers.

The results of this research found that: Buddhist farming in the community is related to the way of life between humans and the environment by agriculture as follows: 1) Adhering to the ancient way; 2) Learning of agriculture from the promotion of government agencies; 3) Community agriculture, it is a sowing seed, to prepare a planting up, making fertilizer, planting, maintenance, harvest and starting to cultivating again. While the problems of farmers are: 1) farmers lack of knowledge; 2) the burden of investment; 3) the product price is fall; 4) water shortage. 5) Chemical residues; 6) Environmental and ecological damaging. Guidelines for suitable Buddhist agriculture include: 1) to promote the knowledge; 2) ecological conservation and restoration; 3) agricultural mechanically dependent on nature; 4) self-help production; 5) community policy;  6) establishing Buddhist agricultural network.