As a consequence, any attempt to reduce the environmental
impact of rice production (through input reduction or alternative
water management) or to develop irrigation should take into account
the consequences with respect to economic performances
such as changing yields, changing farmer income and higher labour
requirements. In addition, in view of plans to extend irrigation in
Isaan (Molle and Floch, 2008), there is a need to assess the
comparative advantages of controlled irrigation vs. rain-fed cropping
(uncontrolled irrigation during the wet season) in both environmental
and economic terms