For instance, as a result of market integration and policy incentives, maize production has already been widely adopted in Xayaburi province. Over the past decade, however, this has led to agricultural expansion (forest and fallow conversion), more generalized ploughing and an increased use of pesticides. The transition
from cultivation based on rotational fallow farming to intensive hybrid maize monoculture has increased agricultural productivity considerably and rural poverty has declined. However, a growing number of farmers are now confronting land degradation issues such as soil erosion, lowland siltation, weed pressure and chemical
pollution, as well as excessive production costs and growing indebtedness.