Environmental research

Rice is an economically important crop for the Thai population and the country. At present, the area for paddy plantation is reduced while the demand for consumption and export are increasing.Effort to identify processes to increase yield and improve the quality of rice are being carried out earnestly. Rice farming communities in the basin of Park Phanang River and Songkhla Lagoon comprises the areas in Tha Sala District, Park Phanang District,Chianyai District,Hua Sai District,Cha-Uad District and Chulabhon District of Nakhornsithammarat Province. To the west of the Lagoon are the areas of Kuan Khanoon District, Muang District,Pa Pha-yom District of Phattalung Province. To the east of the Lagoon are the areas of Ra-noad District, Kra-sae-sin District,Sathing Phra District, Singha Nakorn District of Songkhla Province.These areas have long been regarded as the riches production sources of rice in southern Thailand for the past years. The rice growing in the communities has undergone processes which altered the indigenous method into a modern one conforming to the National Economical and Social Development plan.Such a modern method has rendered the farmers dependent upon modern technology,especially, chemical ferilizer and consequently the state of financial loss.At the same time, the expansion of the shrimp raising business along the coast has produced bad effects upon the communities.The financial loss is ever increasing so much that many families have to abandoned their rice field and migrated into to big towns such as Haad Yai, Surathani, Phuket and Bangkok, hoping to find a better- paid employment. One of the solutions for these farmers is to develop the system of integrated farming and the other is to develop commercialized local industry to build the capacity and generate supplementary income for their families. The development of commercialized local industry should proceed in consistent with the integrated farming system following the Royal Initiative on Park Phanang Basin Development. The main strategy is to emphasize the environmentally-friendly ecomomical development and maximise the use of indigenous resources under the full cooperation of communities. The Khonhard Rice Farmers Group has formed a network with other 4 farmers groups in the Park Phanang Basin to undertake activities that improve the foundation for agriculture, the integrated farming, the management of rice stock and marketing. Moreover, the group has developed the community rice mill project through the cooperation from the network to improve the quality of life in the communities. The Paddy Drying Plant Project is a project under the joint effort of the group,its network and the village Bank of Ban Tamnan, Muang District of Phattalung.The syndicate aims to study the managerial system of paddy to be purchased from members.The paddy is usually of high humidity and results in the lower selling price and the limitation of sales because the usual process of drying by sunlight is rather ineffective and time consuming. Morever, the modern drying plant is far too expensive and technologically complicate. The study has found that the drying plant utilizing rice husk as fuel developed by the Department of Agriculture is appropriate because the design maximizes the use of indigenous resources and contribute to the environmental conservation.The operational system is not too complicate for local communities.Nevertheless, the cost of this plant is still high.Accordingly, the group has initiated this project for cost sharing, aiming to improve the quality of life for the community members. Activities to be carried out under project: Constructing on drying plant using rice husk following the detailed design and demonstrate the systematic management of paddy in the locality. The process can be outlined as follows: 1. Coordinating with technical experts and solicit their advices 2. Studying preliminary information, exchange experience and educate the committee members regarding the management of the project 3. Setting out the construction work 4. Demonstrating the drying operation of the plant and modifiy as required Anticipated results of project: 1. The group possesses one paddy drying plant for its transaction. 2. The group is able to manage the purchasing/selling system of paddy more effectively. 3. The families of members enjoy additional income and exhibit improved quality of life. Indicatior of Attainment: 1. The humidity of paddy is reduced to less than 15 % as required by the market. 2. The drying plant operates effciently. Project participants and/or beneficiaries: 1. Committee members and members of the Chianyai Rice Farmers Group 2. Committee members and members of the network of Rice Farmers Group in the Park Phanang Wetland area 3. Committee members and members of the Village Bank of Ban Tamnan

Thailand