【体育讲堂】跑者如何保护好心脏
Inspired by a monk’s wisdom to find value in all things, Chirayut Tiewsomboonkit transforms once-wasted corn cobs into a source of empowerment and sustainability.
Under the vast, clear sky of northern Thailand, rows of golden corn stalks stand tall, swaying gently in the warm breeze across expansive fields. Green hills rise in the distance, framing a landscape of vibrant, patchwork farms. The scene is idyllic, filled with the soft rustling of leaves, distant bird calls, and the steady sounds of farmers at work.
Yet as the harvest season draws to a close, a stark contrast disrupts this peaceful landscape: thick plumes of smoke rise and spread across the once-clear sky. This smoke, dense and heavy, drifts up from piles of corn cobs—the tough inner cores left after harvesting the kernels—that are set ablaze as part of a traditional disposal method. Farmers have long relied on burning, viewing it as the simplest way to clear their fields though it fills the air with pollutants, harming the environment they rely on.
It was during a drive through Nan Province that Chirayut Tiewsomboonkit first encountered these smoke-filled fields. Stirred by the sight, he asked himself critical questions: Could this cycle of waste and pollution be broken? Could farmers avoid harming the very environment they rely on? And could something considered waste become a resource? With a deep resolve, his answer was a determined “yes.”
Valuable wisdom from a monk
Driven by his vision to turn waste into opportunity, Chirayut founded Nippan Intercrop. Yet, persuading farmers to let go of generations-old practices was challenging.
“Farmers had long relied on burning cobs as the norm, so I knew shifting this deeply rooted custom would require patience, empathy, and a genuine understanding of their perspectives,” he reflects. For many, this practice symbolized the quickest and easiest way to prepare their land for the next planting, especially with limited resources and access to alternatives.
During moments of doubt, he recalled the wisdom of a monk: “Everything has value, even waste has value.” These words renewed his commitment, solidifying his belief that waste could indeed be turned into resources. Working alongside farmers, he listened to their concerns, learned from their experiences, and together, they explored possibilities. With this trust, they began reshaping traditional practices toward sustainability.
Through perseverance, Chirayut and Nippan achieved remarkable success. From corn cobs once destined for the fire, Nippan developed a range of eco-friendly products: biodegradable animal bedding, which provides a safe and clean option for homes and veterinary clinics; corn cob meal, a nutritious addition to animal feed; and mushroom substrates that utilize the cob’s natural structure to support high-yield crops.
Empowering farmers, one corn cob at a time
Chirayut’s journey did not just yield new products; it transformed the lives of farmers. Nippan offered them more than training and knowledge—it provided a guaranteed income. Nippan buys around 40,000 tons of corn cobs annually, paying farmers between 3,500 and THB 4,500 or between USD104 and USD 134 per ton.
“For me, creating a reliable year-round income stream with Nippan gave farmers a sense of security and trust in their work,” he shares. For many farmers—who are also husbands, fathers and community leaders—this additional income is life-changing.
“This additional income has opened new opportunities for farmers once burdened by debt,” he adds. “It has enabled them to send their children to school, reduce debt, and improve their quality of life with better access to healthcare, and resources, empowering them to support their families and contribute to sustainable agriculture.”
Today, Nippan partners with over 4,400 farmers across 130,000 rai of farmland—approximately 208 square kilometers or an area roughly one-third the size of Singapore—paving the way for sustainable futures across Thailand. Each harvest strengthens the partnership between Nippan and these communities, creating lasting benefits for families and the environment.
A future of clear skies and prosperous fields
Nippan’s transformative efforts have helped clear the skies over Thailand’s cornfields.
“We’ve replaced the thick smoke that once hung in the air with cleaner horizons and brighter futures,” Chirayut says. His vision has reshaped farmers’ lives and sparked a wider movement for sustainability.
His work earned Nippan the APEC Bio-Circular-Green or BCG Award in 2024, honoring its contribution to the bio-circular-green economy and its dedication to empowering farming communities.
Nippan’s impact goes beyond the fields. By turning waste into opportunity, he has demonstrated the power of sustainable business to inspire lasting change. Nippan’s success holds the potential to encourage micro, small and medium enterprises across the APEC region to rethink their practices, creating a ripple effect of environmental awareness and economic empowerment.
These Thai cornfields, once marked by waste and smoke, are now fields of opportunity. Chirayut’s journey with Nippan reminds us to find value in all things, pursue sustainability, and empower people to cultivate a future of promise.