การบูรณาการพุทธธรรมและภูมิปัญญา ทางการเกษตรของชุมชนเกษตรอินทรีย์

Abstract

This qualitative research aimed to study the local agricultural wisdom in organic agricultural communities in Ayutthaya and Nakhon Nayok Provinces and their integration of Buddhist teachings into their way of practice. Data were collected from five to ten members in the groups of organic farmers who avoided the use of chemical fertilizer and produced organic and bio-fertilizer for their own use. There groups were from three areas in Ayutthaya Province and two areas in Nakhon Nayok Province. The data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed with the method of content analysis. Findings showed that the local agricultural wisdom was cultivated through learning and exchanges among organic farmers who produced bio-fertilizer. It also showed that Buddhist teachings, especially the Five Precepts and Loving-kindness, were adopted to guide their organic farming. In addition, it was found that the Sufficiency Economy Principles was integrated into the communities’ organic farming too. Recommendations are that an in-depth study should be conducted on the persons who led the cultivation of the local agricultural wisdom and a further study should be conducted on the relationship between Buddhist teaching and the Sufficiency Economy Principles in the organic farmers’ understanding