The Strengthening of Community and Cultural Conservation of Indigenous Rice Varieties: a Case Study of Surat Thani Province

Abstract

     The study on a strengthening of community and cultural conservation of indigenous rice varieties: a case study of Surat Thani Province applies a qualitative research model. The purposes of this research were 1) to study the strengthening of communities in the conservation of Indigenous rice varieties in Surat Thani province; 2) to study the culture of indigenous rice conservation. The research team relied on purposive sampling and this case study used in-depth interview as a tool for data collection from village philosophers, the group that utilized the wisdom in preserving native rice varieties in Surat Thani Province and related government officials, totaling 60 people. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis in ascending order. The results of the research are found that 1) there is  strengthening in the conservation of indigenous rice varieties by promoting the grouping of members. All parties jointly manage the problem of Indigenous rice planting. They also collaborate in dredging the river in order to be able to store water for agriculture throughout the year and expand the network of collaborations from groups within the community; and 2) culture is taken place in preserving Indigenous rice varieties by inheriting the culture of traditional cultivation. In addition, there is the use of labor instead of machine. Indigenous rice varieties are also consumed as both savory and sweet food and processed into flour for baking. There are rituals and beliefs such as the request for rain and the request for forgiveness from Phra Mae Pho-Sop as well.