联合国给五位“模范农民”颁奖

A startling figure - one-in-nine people - is still classed as 'chronically hungry'. Two-thirds of them in the Asia-Pacific region. The United Nations says it's essential to produce more food. To mark World Food Day, the UN has presented awards to five 'model farmers' - from China, Thailand, Myanmar, India and New Zealand. They’ve been chosen for their success in growing more crops - whilst taking positive steps to care for the environment.

Farmer Pathphong Mongkholkanchanakhun breeds plant-eating fish; so he can feed them from leaves growing naturally on his farm. Self-sufficiency is important to Patphong; but it’s also profitable. Income has more than tripled from 3,000 US dollars a year to 10,000, at his farm 200 kilometers north of the Thai capital Bangkok.

Before, Pathphong grew a single crop and corn; requiring large amounts of expensive chemical fertilizer, which damaged the soil. But six years ago he diversified. Now he now grows a range of organic crops, like these bananas, which he wraps in plastic sheeting to keep off birds.

"If we take good care of the land instead of ruining it by using large amounts of chemical pesticide, it brings us long-term benefit. Good quality land needs minimum production costs, and produces chemical-free products which are good for people," Pathphong said.

Making world agriculture more productive but also sustainable is a key objective of the United Nations. Pathphong’s one of five farmers who’ve been recognized for their work to increase crop yield, whilst still protecting the natural environment.

Jin Yuepin is another. In China’s Zhe Jiang province he’s created a rice paddy, which also supports thousands of fish. Investing heavily and studying to improve efficiency, this rice-fish symbiotic system’ has proved highly-effective.

"We grow rice, the rice feeds the fish, in turn the fish feed the rice grower. It’s a system with both ecologoical and economic benefits,” Chinese farmer Jin Yuepin said.

In China, it’s a long-established practice, but chemical fertilizer and pesticides were harming the fish. Jin relies on organic production.

"There’s been rice-fish farming in my village for more than a thousand years, it’s a part of our heritage we need to keep. But we have been using too many chemicals. It can’t continue, it has a big negative impact,” Jin Yuepin said.

The UN’s Asia-Pacific Food and Agriculture Organization has bestowed “model farmer” status on these growers from China, India, New Zealand, Myanmar and Thailand; who’ve all increased production through sustainable methods. Thailand’s Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presented each with a plaque, citation and cash award, at a ceremony in Bangkok.

"Most people do not take time to think about the food they eat and where it came from. I ask you, at least for today, that you stop and reflect on the miracle that is bringing many different kinds of food to your plate,” Maha Chakri Sirindhorn said.

Back on Pathphong’s farm, the transformation continues. Projects include organic rice, irrigated from above, instead of standing in a wet paddy field.

Rows of Pineapple and bamboo, from which he makes farm implements and furniture. Pathphong also breeds cattle and pigs, which prosper from care like this cold shower when the heat becomes intense. All part of his and his fellow “model farmers’ ” desire to live, not in conflict, but in harmony with nature.