A snackfood giant's plan to expand contract potato farming on Phu Thap Boek, to make potato chips, is proving controversial. While Phetchabun’s deputy governor is opposing the expansion of contract potato farming at Phu Thap Boek mountain, local Hmong people say they prefer the crop to the ubiquitous cabbages that most farmers in the area grow. However, Mr Jai said he was of the opinion potatoes required less use of chemicals than cabbages, Thai media reported on Wednesday. He said it was correct the company had to import potatoes to use as seed stock and that cost would be passed on to farmers. Around 100 Phu Thap Boek farmers with 1,020 rai of fields between them had signed onto the scheme, the reports said.

Source: Bangkok Post October 26, 2016 10:07 UTC