A similar pattern of extensive negative impact on livelihoods was observed for other crops 155 and for fish farming. Tree crop farmers in particular have been severely affected and consider themselves to have been drastically impoverished by the flooding156. Prior to the floods, tree crop farmers enjoyed relative financial security. Their crops require a significant level of initial investment due to the cost of young plants, fertilizers and pesticides and to the relatively long time required for trees to mature. However, these crops provide high return to the initial investment, with produce in high demand. This can be illustrated through some of the interviews conducted by the research team with guava farmers and orchard owners. One of the guava farmers interviewed in Uthaithani, reported a daily income of around THB 1,000 during the guava season with another in the same line of activity reporting a steady monthly income of TBH 7,000 – 8,000. With extensive damage to crops tree crop farmers have now lost the market for their products157, in particular the opportunity to sell in the whole sale Talad Tai market158. Any replanting of similar species will require a few years before the yield of any produce. In addition, tree crop farmers were not engaged in other income generation activities and do not currently possess the skills that would enable them to easily find alternative sources of income. Out of the nine rural communities visited, farmers from seven communities indicated that they would attempt to shift to other agricultural activities (growing rice or vegetables, which requires smaller investments but which produces yields more rapidly). In the other two communities, farmers were hesitant to replant and re-invest due to the risk associated with shifting to other types of agricultural activities and concerns over cyclical flooding.
In the case of fish farming, small-scale growers are usually are not registered with the Fisheries Department, as they are concerned over the restrictions or controls that may be imposed. The majority, who operate illegally, will therefore not be able to claim any compensation for losses. Fish is usually raised in cages or in ponds taking up to four months to grow before being sold. Better priced local species such as Giant Gourami are also raised along river banks and have a longer growth period (a year and a half). Both types of produce have suffered heavy damage. Strong currents have destroyed fish