Small Holders of Rubber-based Farming Systems in Songkhla Province Thailand : Problems and Potential Solutions

Abstract

In dealing with the economic crisis of 1997, rubber-based small holders, along with many other farmers in Thailand, looked for ways to ease their problems. A variety of approaches were found, but a number of constraints in implementing these solutions were also encountered, which reduced farm productivity and decreased the farmers' ability to implement these solutions. Constraints included low production quality, low selling price (the most serious problem), deficient capital for investment, disease and pest problems, deficiency of input factors,and also high cost, inefficient local marketing systems, a generally low level of knowledge of agricultural production in general, shortage of water resources in many areas, low soil fertility, shortage of family labor, and poor local government extension services. Proposed solutions to these constraints include price insurance, a local capital investment fund, better technology transfer, an improved farmers' credit system, and improved infrastructure and financial incentives.