Charoen Pokphand Foods PLC (CP Foods) and Nong Wa Agricultural Village are showcasing a community groundwater bank designed to enhance water security for swine farmers, ensuring the sustainable operation of their farms, particularly during the drought season. This project aims to assist smallholder farmers in addressing water-related challenges and serving as a learning center for both farmers and those interested in the field.

Pakdee Thaisiam, Chairman of Nong Wa Agricultural Village, stated that the village has partnered with CP Foods to initiate the groundwater bank innovation to cope with water issues since 2020, following the guidelines of the Nithesasanakhun Groundwater Bank Institute's groundwater bank approach. The development of the groundwater bank integrates the knowledge of geological science and local wisdom to manage the water resources in the area. The groundwater bank system is designed as an excess water reservation that addresses both flood and drought issues.

After conducting a survey to determine the location for constructing the groundwater bank system, a closed groundwater bank and an open water pond have been integrated at the center of the village to collect water. Additionally, the project has built a drainage system throughout the village to connect with the closed groundwater bank.

Today, farmers are reaping the benefits of the village’s groundwater system, which aids in water retention and management for a duration of 18 months, subsequently reducing production costs by approximately THB 1 million per year. This provision of sufficient water empowers farmers to sustain their swine farming operations.  Moreover, the groundwater bank yields augmented soil moisture levels and serves to alleviate flooding occurrences on the farm.

CP Foods has not only extended this remarkable achievement to encompass the company's 6 pig farms in the northeastern region but has also successfully expanded its implementation to the swine business operations in C.P. Laos.