Successful field days in Thailand with more than 400 visitors

"Growing quality vegetables in the tropical lowlands is possible when we use the right varieties, the right growing strategy and the right technology", shared Friso Flok, Area Manager of Southeast Asia countries at Rijk Zwaan.

The proof was shown in the annual Field Days, 19 – 23 February, hosted and organized by Dutch Greenery, the distributor of Rijk Zwaan in Thailand. The event was successfully organized at their demo greenhouse in Pak Chong, Thailand with more than 400 visitors. According to Wim Damsteegt, the owner of Dutch Greenery, the plants look well despite the weather being warm, even by Thai standards. "That's thanks to the techniques we're applying, and that's exactly what we're showing to the growers visiting the Field Days."

The crops were ready for the demo days, and so was Wim's wife, whom he has been running the company with for many years.

Crop advice, varieties, and techniques

"We're showcasing many new and existing varieties from Rijk Zwaan, but the main focus is on crop advice," says Wim, who moved to Thailand almost 30 years ago. Ever since, he's been active in the greenhouse industry, including the sale of greenhouse supplies and technical materials, as well as the distribution of Rijk Zwaan seeds and substrates. Dutch Greenery is a distributor of BVB Substrates and Rijk Zwaan and a dealer of Greenspan greenhouses. "We aim to elevate vegetable cultivation to a higher level. Growing in the tropics comes with several challenges, and over the years, we've been focusing on helping growers address these."

As an example, he explains how crop protection can differ when dealing with high temperatures and high humidity. "We provide growers with knowledge on Integrated Pest Management Strategies and also showcase automation and spraying solutions."

The Dutch Greenery facility consists of several types of net and greenhouses, to offer a complete overview of the possibilities of what can be achieved with several techniques and varieties. "We strive to support growers from the start of the season - or even before it - by assisting with demos, selection of the right varieties, different growing media, and also by demonstrating proper sowing techniques."

Automation

Wim sees the horticultural industry gradually expand. Dutch Greenery, together with partners, also shares information on different types of greenhouses and irrigation systems, and new products come in demand as the industry evolves. "Automation, coupled with greenhouse climate control, is also of relevance."

Rijk Zwaan seeds and services contribute to developing sustainable vegetable production in Thailand.

For more information:

Wim Damsteegt @ Dutch Greenery @ dutchgreenery@gmail.com

Friso Flok @ SEA Area Manager @ f.klok@rijkzwaan.com

The article’s source from the author Arlette Sijmonsma © HortiDaily.com