Isaan irrigation development 'a big boost to rice farming

Such a plan would ensure a sufficient water supply to farmers to maximise the use of their plantation area, said Thai Rice Millers Association president Chanchai Rakthananon.

The region has a plantation area of 30 million rai, but the area covered by rice fields declines by 10 per cent annually because many farmers have turned their attention to growing fuel crops and drought-resistant plants.

As the world's biggest rice-exporting country, Thailand should focus on developing its plantation area so as to enjoy a rich outcome in both high yield and high quality, Chanchai said.

Global demand for rice and other food crops is increasing but supply and stocks are falling due to a swelling population as well as rising demand for energy, and hence for fuel crops.

Chanchai said an irrigation development programme would allow farmers in the Northeast to grow second and third crops each year. The plan would also provide poor farmers in the region with higher income through increased cultivation.

He said farmers in the Northeast had only recently been able to grow a second rice crop. Moreover, farmers living close to an irrigation system can grow both second and third crops.

"It is the hope of farmers in the region to grow second-crop rice. It will also encourage them to focus on commercial cultivation rather than just feeding their family," said Chanchai.

If the government were able to develop the irrigation system throughout the 19 provinces in the Northeast, it would increase rice production by 30 million tonnes.

Second- and third-crop rice is expected to yield 800-900 kilogrammes per rai.

So far, farmers in Karasin and Roi Et who are situated around the irrigation system from the Lampao Dam, have been able to farm second and third crops each year.

However, this cultivation is mainly focused on white rice rather than jasmine rice, as the latter requires a longer harvest period.

While data show global rice consumption reaching 433 million tonnes last year, the world stockpile plunged from 170 million tonnes to 80 million tonnes. Global rice trading is 29 million tonnes a year, of which Thailand exports about 30 per cent.

Chanchai said Thai rice growers should concentrate on high-yield crops in order to reduce production costs, as this would strengthen the Kingdom's export competitiveness.

Lower production costs would allow Thai rice exporters to quote lower prices and also allow developing countries that are major rice consumers greater access to a key staple food.

He added that rice prices in the second half of the year should be brighter.