The Situation of Rice Production and Trade of Farmers in the Upper Northern Region of Thailand

Abstract

This study aims to study the situation of organic rice production and trade of farmers in the upper northern region of Thailand. This is qualitative research. The research area was organic rice for single and group farmers in Chiang Rai, Phayao, Chaing Mai, Lamphun, and Lampang. Target groups of important informants were model farmers who have been certified for organic rice production, local scholars and representatives of organic rice farmers, and organic rice academics using purposive sampling methods under the criteria and qualifications set by the researchers. There were three different kinds of research: questionnaires, interview forms, and group discussions. Data collection consisted of document research, interviews, observation, and small group discussions. The data was then analyzed, the content synthesized and descriptive reports were written. The results of the research revealed that rice production and trade of farmers in the upper northern region of Thailand in five provinces research areas are mainly for consumption and food security because most areas rely on rainwater, have fewer irrigated areas, and have less farming space than other sectors. The methods of farming are transplanting paddy fields, dry broadcasting paddy fields, wet broadcasting paddy fields, and drop broadcasting paddy fields. Most of the 82 percent are transplanting paddy fields and in some areas in the foothills where rice is planted in July and harvested from October to December. The most cultivated type of rice is glutinous rice, followed by white jasmine 105 rice, Pathumthani fragrant rice, brown rice, and organic rice respectively. The rice trade for farmers was divided into two levels: paddy marketing and rice marketing. Farmers store a portion of their products for household consumption and another portion for seed cultivation. Some farmers entered the loan program for delaying the sale of rain-fed paddy fields. For the rest of the products, farmers would sell paddy to merchants, Rice Farmers' groups, agricultural institutes (cooperatives), and private mills.