Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Israel Ms. Smadar Shapira, and, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Cooperative Promotion, Mr. Acha Suwonnitya, presided over the inaugural ceremony of the second greenhouse at Hubkapong Development Project Demonstration Centre in Cha-am District of Petchburi Province.
The greenhouse was equipped with Israel’s irrigation and sprinkler systems that enable the efficient and sustainable agricultural production. It was supported by MASHAV – Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation after the success of the first installment of the greenhouse facility in 2018 as a demonstration unit for farmers in the area.
The cooperation with Hubkapong Development Project Demonstration Centre was established in the 1960s under the notable vision of His majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great. The cooperation included the support of Israeli experts, who helped local farmer overcome agricultural difficulties, and led to the creation of the demonstration village under “Thai-Israel Rural Development Project”.
The village adapted Israel’s community model called “Moshav” which its members collectively owned property while a profit-sharing relied on individual production. This successful project helped the local farmers obtain stable income with improved quality of life. The arid Hubkapong area was turned into a fertile land and became a learning center for other communities.
MASHAV-Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation, was set up a decade after the establishment of Israel in 1948. For over 60 years, MASHAV has striven to share with more than 130 countries across the world, including Thailand, the knowledge which Israel has learnt from its own development in all aspects, stretching from training programmes to demonstration projects in agriculture, education, medicine, science and technology. Over the years, MASHAV has trained over one thousand Thai participants in various fields.