Diagnostic survey of maize production in selected districts of Thailand in 1998

Teerasak Manupeerapan

Field Crops Research Institute. Chatuchak, Bangkok. 10900 Thailand.

E-mail: Teerasakm21@hotmail.com

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Abstract

A field survey was carried out by the trainees of the Asian Maize Training Centre (AMTC) in 16 districts of eight major maize growing provinces of Thailand. The field survey was conducted at different date during June 22 to August 07, 1998. In the past, maize planting in most districts were open pollinated variety (OPV), such as Suwan 1. But, when hybrid maize seed became commercially available, the farmers adopted this technology quickly and now the used of hybrid seed is almost 100%. The farmers used hybrids, because of high yield, resistance to disease and tolerant to drought. A questionnaire developed from free discussion among the trainees and training officers and later pre-tested. At time of survey, trainees were divided in to five groups, each group was responsible to interviewed one maize farmer and filled up the questionnaire with the help of Thai interpreter. Five farmers from different location in each district were involved in the survey. Accordingly to the schedule, a field assessment part is filled up by individual group, taking note on plant performance, density, and problem in farmer’s maize field. Secondary data were collected from province and district level office of the Department of Agriculture Extension. All data were calculated for average and frequency distribution, then summarized in a coincide Tables. It can be concluded that maize cultural practices and farmer’s household profile were not much different among districts interviewed. Almost 100% of maize farmer using hybrids. Control of insect pest and disease are almost free from synthetic chemical. The only problem found most is early season drought. This problem can be avoided by using drought tolerant varieties or appropriate planting date in each district.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Problem-1

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