International-Standard-Quality Lingzhi Farm, Osotspa’s Model of Helping the Disabled to Enhance Product Quality to Develop Sustainable Future
It has been more than 4 years since Osotspa Public Company Limited started supporting and promoting careers for people with disabilities under the concept " “teaching a man to fish to feed him for a lifetime." Osotspa joins forces with public health agencies and a team of physiotherapists in Khon Kaen Province to educate and train people with disabilities to enable them to live on their own with stable income. The people with disabilities participating in the project were not born with disabilities. An accident or illness causes them to become disabled and unable to work and support their families. Then, the Company expands to establish the Organic Farming Model for Disabled Villagers at Ubonrat district, Khon Kaen province. This provides opportunities for farmers with disabilities to do organic plantations. They have transformed over 6 rai of wasteland to a green and fruitful farm of quality and chemical-free produce, where numbers of visitors come to learn.
In addition to a variety of vegetables that generate stable income for the disabled such as cucumbers, lentils, winged beans, zucchini, kale, bok choy, morning glory, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, another notable product is the various types of quality mushrooms, which are constantly demanded in the market. The center started with mushroom cultivation. Then, they further studied to inoculate mushrooms and produce mushroom cultures. Some of the cultures are used in the center, while the excess produce sold to the public brings them additional income The disabled continue to extend their knowledge to the cultivation of Lingzhi mushroom, which can be sold at a high price and They succeed in producing quality products.
Ms. Phenprapha Chaiso, a member of the center said, “Once I join the center, I have a job and income for my family. The living quality of our family is better. I gain more confidence in my potential and dare to learn new things. I will continue to extend my career. I’m lucky to have this opportunity, I have to do my best.”
Osotspa has educated the members of the center, provided them with equipment, selected crop species, advised and followed up closely. These supports do not only provide a stable career for people with disabilities but also enhance the product quality to meet the new marketing opportunities and sustainability. Moreover, seeing that their Lingzhi mushrooms meet international standards, Osotspa trusts in their quality and sources them for an ingredient of 'Som-in-Sum Plus' energy drinks in line with the Company’s sustainable supply chain guidelines that focus on using herbs from domestic sources, in order to create sustainable growth and develop the potential for farmers who grow herbs for the company. This is one of the goals of Osotspa's 5-year sustainability roadmap.
Mrs. Wannipa Bhakdibutr, Chief Executive Officer of Osotspa Public Company Limited said, “Osotspa is proud to help create a new life for the disabled. Moreover, seeing them help each other, build a network to support each other, and develop products with international quality, we are confident that this project will truly create sustainability for Thai society.”
“Boom appreciates the power of all members of the Organic Farming Model for Disabled Villagers, who never give up, try their best and never stop learning. Boom see how well they take care of their plantation. I believe that their great care is an important factor that makes the center's plantation very abundant with good quality products. As a presenter of Som-In-Sum ginseng, I’m proud to see quality ingredients and take part in delivering quality products along with developing and creating careers for people with disabilities,” said Dr. Panadda Wongphudee.
