“Forage paddy” an alternative career for farmers in Thailand

Abstract

The objective of this article is to look at the potential of forages grown for seed production to become an alternative cash crop for farmers in Thailand. The study analyzed data of the situation in forage production, planting and harvesting management, forage seed production, cost and profit of forage seed production in Thailand. We found that the number of ruminants had increased but the area in pastures had decreased, and did not meet the livestock requirements for forages. More than 16-17 million tons per year of forages are needed to meet the requirements of livestock. There is an increasing demand for forage seeds to plant to produce forage by farmers to feed their livestock. The current forage seed production in Thailand is low and does not meet the market demands for seed. There is a high potential to produce forage seed for sale. Planting and harvesting management of forage seed production is similar to that for rice and corn, but the requirement for water is low and no pesticides need to be used. The overall management costs for forage seed production are similar to rice and corn production but the income from forage seeds is much higher than that from rice or corn. In addition, extra income can be generated before the forage seeds are harvested by selling forage or using the forage to feed the farmers’ animals. Forage seed production can be an alternative career for Thai farmers.