Trang: A farmer in Trang Province has turned a forgotten gift from her daughter into a thriving business, generating substantial income through cactus cultivation.
According to Thai News Agency, Phayao Kongnoi, a 49-year-old farmer from Kantang District, has successfully transformed her interest in miniature cacti into a profitable enterprise. Utilizing approximately 2 rai (about 0.8 acres) of her property, Phayao has established a greenhouse that houses over 1,500 cacti, representing more than 20 different species. Her collection of unique hybrids, each displaying distinct shapes and colors, are sold for prices ranging from tens to thousands of baht.
Phayao's journey into cactus cultivation began when her daughter, a university student in Bangkok, left behind over 20 cactus plants during a school break. As these plants began to wither, Phayao took it upon herself to learn about their care through online resources. Her efforts in researching pollination, fertilization, and proper care gradually revived the cacti, sparking a passion for the hobby. Over the past 5-6 years, her dedication has transformed this passion into a lucrative business, with her income rising from a few hundred baht a month to hundreds of thousands of baht per year. Her success has made her a notable cactus grower in the Bang Pao Subdistrict, attracting frequent customers from the local community.