Thailand to observe World Soil Day 2018 with blooming yellow Sunn hemp

BANGKOK, October 16 (TNA) - Thailand's old capital, Ayutthaya Province in the central region, has grown Sunn hemp, or Indian hemp, on several targeted areas where the African jute plant will then have its blooming yellow flowers on December 5 to mark the World Soil Day 2018 and to show the whole nation's remembrance and endless loyalty to late and beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX the Great. Phitsanu Sapsutthi, chief of Ayutthaya's land development station, told journalists on Monday that to timely witness the fruitful outcome, his station has distributed 3,875 kilograms of Sunn hemp seeds to all provincial sectors since early this month to grow in the targeted areas of 775 rai (2.5 rai = 1 acre), or more than one square kilometers totally. "Normally, Sunn hemp produces its blooming flowers within 45-55 days after its seeds are planted in targeted plots of land; so, locals and international visitors should see the lively yellow African jute fields in several areas in Ayutthaya timely to observe the World Soil Day 2018", Phitsanu said. According to the senior Thai official, his central province has organized activities to observe the World Soil Day for the seven consecutive years in 2018. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has designated every December 5, the birthday of Thailand's late and revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the World Soil Day in honor of his royal initiatives to protect the soil and the environment. The late King Rama IX the Great was born on December 5, 1927, which was on Monday, the day of the yellow color in Thailand. The senior Thai official stated that the World Soil Day 2018, themed “Be the Solution to Soil Pollution”, is focused on the participation of individuals and relevant agencies comprehensively in the solution to the soil pollution for the sake of food safety and security in compliance with the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, covering the end of hunger and starvation in affected global areas. (TNA)