| Abstract | In this study, the information from the secondary data,
farmers and scientists were integrated and analyzed to create
a priority ranking of each research option for rice research.
The damage areas due to each problem as recorded by extension
officers, were used to identify the output loss caused by each
source of damage. Farmers were interviewed to identify their
problems and their needs. Scientists were interviewed to
determine their view of the problems in rice cultivation and
the possible options for solutions of each problem. Three
different rice ecosystems were investigated: irrigated,
rainfed and deepwater rice. For the farm survey, three study
areas were investigated: Suphan Buri, Buri Ram and Prachin
Buri province for irrigated, rainfed and deepwater rice
ecosystem.
The results indicate that the major problems in terms of
output loss for irrigated rice in rank order from most to less
severe are brown planthopper/ragged stunt virus, stem borer,
rats, green leafhopper and rice caseworm. The major problems
for rainfed rice are drought, brown planthopper/ragged stunt
virus, soil problems, stem borer and blast. The major
problems for deepwater rice are drought, brown
planthopper /ragged stunt virus, submergence, soil problems and
weeds. There are differences among the views of rice farmers
themselves, the extension officers and the scientists as to
the problems facing rice farmers.
After accounting for the research cost and the cost for
the farmer, the net present value of the net benefit stream
was calculated. The net present value analysis indicates that
the highest uet present value research activity is the drought
for rainfed rice, weeds for irrigated rice and blast for
deepwater rice. In the top twenty ranking of research
activities for the three rice ecosystems, there are 11 and 9
research activities for rainfed and irrigated ri.ce,
respectively . The research activities for deepwater rice are
the lowest group because of its small cultivated area. In the
top ten ranking of net present value, the research activity on
rats, rice caseworm and cutworm for irrigated rice, brown
planthopper for rainfed rice and ragged stunt virus for
deepwater rice are not regarded as a problem by scientists.
The results suggest that scientists may not cover all of
farmer problems in rice cultivation and the farmer may be less
knowledgeable about the problems of diseases. Each source of
information has its strength and weakness. A systemic
approach is needed to combine all .sources of information, in
order to get the best information. |