Changed in Socio-Economic an Adoption of Modern Technology for Rainy Season Rice Farming of Thai Buddhists and Thai Muslims in a Poor Village of Songkhla

Abstract

This study was aimed to examine changes in socio-economic and adoption of recommended practices for rainy season rice farming that took place in a poor hamlet (mooban) between 1982/83 and 1988/89 crop years. Sixty two samples were drawn by a stratified random sampling method from three groups of farmers divided on the basis of the technology adoption levels. Data collected from 1984 survey were compared with ones collected from 1990 survey. The result of the study showed that socio-economic changed of farmers of both religions were in a positive direction. The number of ownerships of agricultural machineries, essential luxurious items was increased. It was found in this poor hamlet that the increasing rate of home electrification was highest followed by the increasing rate of television, mortorcycle, two-wheel tractor, sewing-machine and thresher ownerships, respectively. Approximately one-forth of the farmers gained more income from rice while a few farmers become more indebted to formal agricultural credit institutions. As a result the farmers were not exploited by local money lenders. The result of the 1990 study on changes in adoption of recommended practices showed that the number of farmers who grew recommended rice varieties was increased. Preferences of farmers towards certain recommended and traditional rice varieties remained the same. The most popular recommended variety was RD 9 and the most popular traditional variety was Nang-ek. The number of farmers who used chemical fertilizers and the amount of chemical fertilizers applied were higher than those found in 1984 survey. Adoption of insecticide application and weed control remained low.