The abbot of Khao Lak Chan Monastery in Trang Province planted 2,000 cucumber plants. In just over a month, they were ready to harvest. Relatives and devotees flocked to buy them for consumption. The proceeds were used to pay for water and electricity, allowing low-income earners to harvest and eat them for free, setting a good example for the villagers.At Khao Lak Chan Monastery, Nam Phut Subdistrict, Mueang District, Trang Province, Phra Krop Yatiko, the abbot of Khao Lak Chan Monastery, is rushing to harvest small cucumbers, or what the villagers call 'Khai Khe melons.' They are 3-4 times smaller than regular cucumbers, but are crispy and sweet. The villagers in the area like to eat them with chili paste, make sour curry, and stir-fry dishes. The cucumbers that the revered monk and other monks at the monastery helped grow take about 35-40 days before they can be harvested.Phra Krop Yati Ko, the abbot of Khao Lak Chan Monastery, said that he grows about 2,000 cucumber plants and in just over a month he can harvest and sell them. Each day he can harvest about 20-30 kilograms of cucumbers, earning at least 30,000-40,000 baht per growing cycle. The money he earns goes to pay for water, electricity, and other expenses within the monastery. If there is any left over, he will share it with charity to help the poor in the community.The cucumbers grown by the monks are not sold anywhere, but locals both inside and outside the area help support them. The monastery does not set a selling price; the locals give according to their faith. As for those with low incomes, the monastery allows them to come and eat for free. As a result, the locals who know about it come to support them, until the cucumbers are all gone every time.The abbot of Khao Lak Chan Monastery also said that the next round will be planting yardlong beans, zucchini, eggplant, morning glory, and other vegetables, all of which are chemical-free. If the area continues to rain, the monks will help plant more vegetables until the dry season arrives. Gro wing vegetables has many benefits, such as practicing meditation, earning income to pay for water and electricity, having extra money to help villagers, and getting to eat safe vegetables. Importantly, it is also a good example for villagers to adapt to reduce expenses and increase income for their families.Source: Thai News Agency