The posibility of Hom Mali production in organic farming systems as an alternative farming career with peverty alleviation potential for lower-northeastern farmers: Surin province case

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to find out the possibility of Hom Mali rice production in organic farming systems , under condition of socio-culture, physico-biology of production and economics, as an alternative farming career with poverty alleviation potential. The surveys, using questionnaire, interviewing and focus group, were conducted with 80 targeted farmers in Surin province during the production year of 2004-2005. From the surveyed data it was found that the production of organic Hom Mali rice was feasible under socio-cultural condition. The livelihood of farmers was not greatly affected after changing to organics-used-paddy field. Farmers and their families had made decision, based on mutual consultation, and the majority of them were in the range of 50-59 years old. It was also found that their successors have been increasingly to continue organic farming system due to the awareness and confidence in this farming system. The physico-biological condition was also the same trend as that of the socio-cultural one. The organic rice producing farmers had average land holding size from 12.5-36.75 rai without problem of land holding rights. Most of paddy fields were suitable for rice cultivation with an elevation varying from 121-152 m. above sea level. Use of organic fertilizer and bio-extract were 92 percent in average. The economics of the organic rice producing farmer were considered possibly. The organics-used-paddy field, both transplanting and broadcasting methods,had average total cost per rai, 2,531.49 and 2,791.11 baht, lower than those of the chemicals-used paddy field, 2,574.00 and 2,964.85 baht. Rice yield per rai and selling price of the organics-used-paddy field were also, 411 kg/rai and 9.59 baht/kg. in average, higher than those of the chemicals-used rice fields. Therefore , it was concluded that the organic rice producing career had more potential in combating poverty than the chemical rice producing career, but the only organic rice producing career was insufficient for poverty alleviation when comparing their earnings with the poverty line.