Conditions for Success of Community Rice Centers in Lower Northern Thailand

Abstract

     The operation of most community rice centers still encounters numerous obstacles. As a result, the establishment of the community rice centers failed to achieve its intended objectives. The purpose of this research was to study the conditions for success of community rice centers in lower northern Thailand. Collected the qualitative data from community rice centers that won awards from the community rice centers contests by group discussion with committees of 6-8 people per center, one center per province, a total of 4 centers in the four provinces: Nakhon sawan, Phitsanulok, Kamphaengphet and Phichit. Analyzed the data using content analysis and analytic Induction from group discussions to conclude. The study showed that the community rice centers were able to operate according to the objectives of the community rice centers establishment. There were rice seed production and rice seed distribution to help reduce farmers’ shortage of good quality rice seeds with four conditions that led to successful community rice centers as follow: 1) management, operational planning, risk management, selection of committees to match their abilities, a good leader, member participation, regular meetings, sufficient budget, and support from the government and private sectors. 2) quality rice seed production, knowledge and skills in rice seed production, facilities and equipment for rice seed production, rice seed production technology, rice seed quality, and rice seed production standard. 3) network building, creating a network of production and marketing, and knowledge exchange and 4) group development for sustainability, an extension of activities, and development of new generation farmers.