Environmental Activist

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Understanding the need to improve soil conditions, His Majesty urges farmers to use buffaloes
or cows instead of tractors on the rice field, and to plant a variety of fruit and fuel-wood trees,
using as many indigenous species as possible.

He discourages for example, the use of chemical fertilizers and insecticides, instead urging
farmers to grow plants which can be made into insecticides and to use natural fertilizers.
Following his advice, the farmer would have systematically practised what environmentalists now
call “integrated farming”.

As suggested by his new theory, His Majesty is an advocate of appropriate technology,
moderation, and natural methods of agricultural development. He himself has contributed a
great deal in the development of agricultural technology.

One of his greatest achievements in conservation has been his introduction in 1991, of vetiver
grass to provide a natural barrier defence against soil erosion and excessive water run-off.
The hardy grass also helps to store nitrogen, conserve moisture and prevent the leaching of
toxic substances into the water table. The results of his work have received worldwide attention.

 


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