Sustainable agricultural development policies and farmers' practices in Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand | |
| Author | Sukallaya Kasem |
| Call Number | AIT Diss. no.RD-10-02 |
| Subject(s) | Sustainable agriculture--Thailand---Nakhon Pathom Farmers--Thailand--N676 Nakhon Pathom |
| Note | A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Regional and Rural Development Planning |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Dissertation ; no. RD-10-02 |
| Abstract | Thailand has adopted sustainable agriculture development policy since the 7th National Economic and Social Development Plan period. Promotion of GAP, crop diversification and organic inputs has been the focus of the policy. This study employs longitudinal as well as cross-sectional methods of policy analysis and goes further down to check the effectiveness of SAD policies and programs. The study firstly traces the evolution of agricultural development policies in Thailand during the different planning periods. This is followed by an assessment of farmers’ awareness of sustainable agriculture development policies. Then, it analyzes in detail the status and determinants of GAP, crop diversification and use of organic fertilizers and bio-pesticides in Nakhon Pathom province. The information was collected from both from primary and secondary sources. Primary information was collected through mainly a questionnaire survey of 245 farm households. Additional primary information was collected through group discussion, key informants interview and observation. Secondary information was collected from relevant government agency reports, books and journal articles. Collected information was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The findings of the study revealed a gradual evolution of sustainable agricultural policies, with focus on promotion of GAP products, crop diversification and use of organic inputs, ever since the 7th NESDP. Majority of farmers in the study area are well aware of these policies. However, the adoption of practices consistent with these policies is rather low. A small group of vegetable farmers, who could earn attractive income by selling GAP vegetables to private export companies, are the one practicing GAP. Landholding and agricultural labor force sizes, attendance of training, interaction with GAP farmers group and soil suitability are other factors influencing the adoption of GAP. The majority of farmers, who are growing mainly paddy, are still producing conventional rice as they could not realize any additional financial benefit from the GAP rice. Crop diversification has been financially better for small holders and it has also enhanced food security to some extent. However, the major proportion of farmland remains under paddy mono-cropping for several reasons including unsuitability of land for other crops, labor shortage and low exposure to knowledge on crop diversification. Majority of farmers are well aware of advantages and disadvantages of organic and inorganic fertilizers and pesticides. However, farmers are applying mostly inorganic fertilizers and pesticides to particularly paddy, primarily because of that these inputs provide high return. Farmers see the possible risk of decreased crop production and ultimately low income by using organic fertilizers and bio-pesticides. Farmers who are making organic fertilizers by themselves, who could buy organic fertilizers locally and who have relatively large area under vegetables are the one using organic fertilizers together with inorganic fertilizers. Regarding the application of bio-pesticides, it is significantly influenced by the area under vegetables, production of bio-pesticides by farmers themselves and participation on the GAP program. Recommendations, consistent with these findings, have been made for effective implementation of GAP, crop diversification and biological inputs promotion programs and projects. Overall, the recommendations emphasize policies that would emphasize equally production and marketing of organic and GAP products. Promotion of locationally suitable crops, strengthening of farmers’ knowledge and skills through their community based organizations are other major recommendations made. |
| Year | 2010 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Dissertation ; no. RD-10-02 |
| Type | Dissertation |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Rural Development, Gender and Resources (RD) |
| Chairperson(s) | Thapa, Gopal Bahadur |
| Examination Committee(s) | Routray, Jayant Kumar ;Shivakoti, Genesh P. |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thailand |
| Degree | Thesis (Ph.D.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2010 |