Farmers add hybrid grains to their list of fears

Wiwatchai Atthakorn, who works under the umbrella of a coalition of farmers, academics and non-governmental organisations, is opposed to the introduction of hybrid grains as much as he is against the entry of foreign investors to farming. Sharing his determination is Witoon Lianchamroon, organiser of BioThai, which is an active member of the civic group.

"The emergence of both threats reflect the powerful monopoly between business and government in the farming sector," Witoon said, pointing out that a monopoly first becomes evident when looking at fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides.

Much of his hostility is directed towards the huge agricultural conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Group, which launched its newest product - a hybrid rice seed called CP 304 - after research in Chinese fields since 1994.

According to BioThai researcher Jakkrit Phulsawaskittikul, CP informed farmers that its hybrid grains would provide higher yields than normal seeds - as much as 1,600 kilograms per rai - plus a reduced need for chemicals, a shorter life cycle and less water consumption.

However, based on his study of experimental fields in several provinces, Jakkrit said the yield was not as high as claimed. The average yield in Uttaradit and Kamphaeng Phet was only 958 kg per rai.

"An interesting point is that the hybrid-seed cost plus the recommended growing techniques account for 38 per cent of total farming costs of Bt4,462 per rai," Jakkrit said, adding that if CP manages to dominate the seed market, it could sell up to Bt100 billion worth of seeds. Another threat is foreign investors, said organic farmer Wilit Techapaiboon from Phetchaburi, another member of the civic network.

"It seems that politicians are welcoming foreign investors who propose joint investments with Thai farmers or even to buy farmland," Wilit said.

Jakchai Chomthongdee of the FTA Watch group said farmers who are members of the network had reported that farmland ownership has recently changed rapidly. "Many small pieces of land have been acquired by middlemen", he said.

"This will worsen farmers' suffering. Land is the crucial essential for rice farming. Large numbers of farmers have already had to lease land for their crops, reducing their potential to survive financially."

"Rice is life for Thai people. Should we protect our life?" Wiwatchai asked rhetorically.