Thus, on a premise that the land to be cultivated is 15 rai, it can be roughly divided into:
5 rai for rice field
5 rai for field crops
3 rai for a pond, 4 meters deep with a capacity to store about 19,000 cubic meters of water, the amount sufficient for use in the dry season
2 rai for accommodation and other purposes, bringing the total up to 15 rai.
However, the size of the pond depends on the topography and the environment as follows:
- If the land is to be used for cultivation that relies on rainwater, then the pond should be deep to prevent water from evaporating too much, so there will be enough water for the whole year.
- If the land is in an irrigated area, then the pond can be deep or shallow, and narrow or wide as may be suitable, since there is a continual supply of water.
The reason for the pond is for the farmers to have water for use all year round on a regular basis (His Majesty calls this a ‘regulator,’ meaning a good control with a continual water circulation system for cultivation), especially in the dry season and during dry spells. However, it does not mean that farmers can grow off- season paddy since if the amount of water in the pond is insufficient, then water has to be conveyed from a nearby dam, if there is one, which may cause the water in the dam to be depleted. Farmers should grow rice in the rainy season. In the dry season or during dry spells they should use the stored water to the highest benefit agriculturally by growing crops suitable to the seasons in order to have other produce for consumption and also for sale all year round.
His Majesty’s division of land to achieve the highest benefit has been calculated and considered from the rate of land tenure of 15 rai per household. However, farmers with less or more land can also apply the ratio of 30:30:30:10 to their land as follows.
The first 30% is used to dig a pond (where fish can be raised and aquatic plants such as morning glory can be grown). Above the pond chicken coops can be built and along the banks of the pond perennial trees that do not need much water to subsist can also be grown.
The second 30% is used for rice farming.
The third 30% is used to grow field crops and orchard trees (fruit trees, perennial trees, trees whose wood can be used for general purposes, for firewood, or for construction, field crops, vegetables, and herbs).
The final 10% is for accommodation and other purposes (paths, levees, haystacks, space for drying compost, sheds, for mushroom culture, animal pens, flower and ornamental plants, and a kitchen garden).
Nevertheless, the above ratio is only a rough formula or principle that can be changed or improved depending on the conditions of the terrain, the amount of rainfall, and the environment. For example, in the South where it rains constantly or in areas where water sources are available to refill the pond, the size of the pond can be reduced to make room for other uses.
There are several factors involved in carrying out the New Theory depending on the topography and the environment of each locality. Therefore, farmers should be advised by officials. The most significant thing is the cost of investment is rather high, especially for digging the pond. Farmers must receive help from the government, foundations, and the private sector.
While the pond is being dug, the topsoil which is fertile should be piled aside to be used for growing plants later on by spreading it over the lower level soil which is less fertile, or it can be otherwise utilized to build the edge of the pond or beds to grow fruit trees.