Developing small scale dairy farms in Greater Chaibadan Area : potentials and constraints | |
| Author | Wanniarrachchi, Gamini |
| Call Number | AIT RSPR no. HS-91-10 |
| Subject(s) | Dairy farming--Thailand--Lop Buri Dairy farming--Greater Chaibadan Area |
| Note | A Research Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Master of Science, School of Engineering and Technology |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Research studies project report ; no. HS-91-10 |
| Abstract | The backbone of the Thailand's economy is agriculture much the same as in many countries in the South East Asian region. Extensive agriculture practice in the country has brought problems to farmers as well as to the ecosystems of the country. Paddy and other field crops are major export commodities, but many field crops give low returns compared with that of those attained in other countries in the region. Moreover, the contribution of agricultural production to total GDP and contribution of agricultural exports to total export income have been declining significantly. Generally, the farming system in the country is mainly based on the rainfed farming. As a consequence of low returns, many farming system researchers have recommended lives tock-crop integrated farming systems which would ensure farming efficiency as well as improved farming income of the small farmers. Thailand is currently importing a large amount of dairy products because of the inability to meet the demand for milk products through the local dairy industry. This is despite the potentials of the country to develop dairying. The Thai government has taken interest to develop local dairy industry, also to offer to alternative farming products for upland farmers, through which living condition of small farmers could be upgraded. Additionally it will help to reduce the import bill on dairy products. Dair ying in Thailand is generally concentrated in a few areas among which central region is prominent. It was observed in the study area which is located in Lopburi province of central region that small farmers were diversifying their farming activities towards cattle raising for dairying. Since dairying is risky and costly compared with that of other farming alternatives, it is worth examining the cost and benefits of small scale dairying, the potentials and constraints on dairying in order to improve the dairy industry as a whole. With this purpose, 2 tambons, Tha Din Dam in Chaibadan district and Sap Jampa In Tha Luang district were selected for the study. The research study was conducted using a systematic questionnaire method involving 60 farmers. The group of farmers were composed with 30 dairy farmers and 30 non dairy farmers. It was found that despite the efforts of the government to develop dairying in the country, there are many constraints as far as small farmers are concerned. The high cost of raw milk production, lack of coordination among relevant agencies, poor knowledge of managing dairy farms among small farmers and high capital requirement needed to start dairying could be cited as some of the constraints. Increasing cost of production in dairy products reduces the attractiveness of the industry which will keep farmers in their upland farming if government does not provide low cost credit and other incentives for small farmers. However, private sector participation in the dairy industry, the physical location in the study area, ongoing development programmes in the area which enhance the milk demand and willingness of farmers to raise dairy cattle are strong potentials for the industry. Reviewing the on going dairy development programme in the area, redesigning the package offered by BAAC and identification of training needs of dairy farmers are necessary to improve the dairying in the area. Nevertheless, the need of strengthening the institutional capacity of the all agencies involved in dairying cannot be neglected. This Research Study was completed as part of the requirements for the SPRING (Asia ) Programme. SPRING, an acronym for Spatial Planning for Regions in Growing Economies, is an M.Sc. programme jointly offered by the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, and the University of Dortmund, Germany. Under the SPRING Programme, a Research Study carrying twelve credits, must be conceptualized and completed within only one term, i.e., from 1 January to 31 March 1991. Prefereably, the topic should relate to the preceeding District Development Workshop. The Spring Programme thus differs from other M.Sc. programme in AIT where most students write a thesis which spans at least eight months. |
| Year | 1991 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Research studies project report ; no. HS-91-10 |
| Type | Research Study Project Report (RSPR) |
| School | School of Engineering and Technology (SET) |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Human Settlement (HS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Demaine, Harvey; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Routray, J. K. ;Wickramanayake, B. W. E.; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst - (DAAD) Germany; |
| Degree | Research Studies Project Report (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1991 |