The Blackchin tilapia has become a growing problem for farmers and natural waterways in Phetchaburi province. Local authorities, including the  Phetchaburi Provincial , have been working tirelessly to control and remove the invasive species from fish farms and natural habitats.

Rather than letting the challenge go to waste, the Cha-am District Fisheries Office introduced an innovative idea: transforming the fish into organic liquid fertilizer to support local farming. The initiative was warmly supported by partners such as the Cha-am District Agricultural Office and the Phetchaburi Land Development Station.

On June 12, 2025, the Cha-am District Agricultural Learning Center (Thonghathai Farmer Academy) hosted a special community workshop titled “Turning Invasive Fish into Bio-Fertilizer for Sustainable Agriculture” alongside leadership training for local farmers.

During the workshop, experts guided farmers through the fermentation process, using specific soil improvement agents to speed up decomposition and reduce oil content in the mixture. Farmers were trained on how to manage the fermentation both in the early stages (4 days) and throughout the full one-month cycle.

The workshop wasn’t just about fertilizer; local agricultural leaders also revisited essential skills in establishing community rice seed centers and sustainable rice seed production — essential steps for enhancing local food security. Participants also engaged in Na Yang Eco Echo, a creative eco-tourism activity led by the Na Yang community network. Local artisans and IT students collaborated to design unique motifs of Cha-am’s marine life and Na Yang’s bat symbol, creating stencils for community tourism groups to promote local crafts and culture.

Adding to the workshop's community spirit, the chairman of Don Khun Huai’s collaborative pineapple growers provided fresh pineapple juice for all participants. A special guest — a former member of the Thai Students’ Association in Toledo, USA — joined the event to observe and learn how Thailand’s Sufficiency Economy Philosophy is being applied in daily life, along with efforts to position the area as part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities of Gastronomy network.

For more information:

📞 +66 86-623-3357 (Thadhong Bhrammanee)  Inbox 🔗 www.facebook.com/tht.farm