Amidst the difficult natural conditions in the Northeastern Thailand, to practice
environment-friendly agriculture, and to increase poor farmers’ income at the same time, are
substantially difficult. During the interviews, we heard a lot that “Agriculture is tough”, or
“Planting A is tough. Therefore, I am thinking to change to plant B”. Rather than thinking
about environment-friendly agriculture practice, instead thinking about how to practice
agriculture with less labor but with more income earned seems to be more practical in the
current situation of Thai agriculture. Nevertheless, raising agricultural income cannot be
done without the environmental concern if the ultimate goal is to attain sustainability.
The New Theory farming system is basically based on the concept of self-sufficiency.
It might seem difficult to be applied with crops not for self consumption such as sugarcane and
cassava. Yet, usefulness of the pond, risk diversification because of more income sources, and
the dual practice of both crop plantation and livestock raising are strong points found suitable
for the Northeastern agriculture practice. As another source of income, bioethanol production
can be considered as a potential one.
In the next research step the team would like to propose a farming system that is
ecologically sustainable. This is a vital factor that would ultimately affect the country’s
agricultural sustainability.
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Reference
[1] Mitsuchi M., Wichaidit P., J