Mr. SEAN Pha is a 30(+) years man who currently residing in Preah Vihea province. He is probably the most successful model farmer amongst all the model farmers who took part in this study. Mr. Sean is either a key person or a model farmer and he has participated in a youth PAR and SKYPE while taking part in every agricultural lesson provided by NTFP. During his time with PAR and SKYPE, he has been doing different research on community issues including hygiene (toilet and waste management), small infrastructures (bridges, roads, and small resource mobilization for unfortunate villagers affected by the strong wind [climate calamity]), and capital raising for new farmers. He has been participating with NTFP since the beginning of the project, and by doing that he has profoundly and gradually successfully with his work in agriculture. Below is the story of Mr. SEAN Pha;
“I started as a youth volunteer with limited knowledge about neither research nor agri-culture. I was just having a normal life and a normal living condition. I was earning a living out of my rice filed and a small land size (25m2 just enough room for a few vegetation types on it. I did not know any kind of agricultural techniques. My farms were enough for household consumption and I was not even thinking about making it to the market and selling them for good. However, things changed when I started to learn about agricultural lessons from NTFP, it was in the year 2020 when I first decided to become a half-commercial farmer. in 2020, I started to expand work on a land size from 25m2 to 500m2 with 10 types of vegetation to which I was able to earn about $500 for the first few months about $1500/year. Due to this remarkable start, as a result, in 2021-2022, I expended my land farm from 500m2 to 1000m2 to ensure the production to the market demand with the provision of vision from the NTFP’s staff, I was able to increase my income by $2500 (+) per year (about $750 per harvesting time). In mid-2021, I decided to become a commercial farmer as I have been really satisfied with the results and progress. As a result, in this 2023, my land farm size is now reaching 2500m2 with a yearly revenue of $3000 (+) (about $900 to 1200$ per harvesting time) to which I am truly thankful that I get to know NTFP that contributions share a big part within these results. In 2024, I am planning on expanding my land to 2500m2 which I am looking to earn $5000 per year. I know it is a big dream, but I hope I could turn it into reality. I would like to thank NTFP’s staff and effort over the past years for help and support. Without them, this success would not be possible.”
Mr. SEAN Pha is a dreamer and a doer. He works his sweat off to make his farms stand out. It has been reported that he is well-known among the people in the community including local authorities, youths, farmers, and schools. Most of the time, if there are events and celebrations, Mr. SEAN Pha will be the one that everyone looking for. Despite his success, he is a focal person that shares all his works and experiences with other fellow farmers and youths.
