Preparation for Organic Rice Production Support to Farmers in Rai Khok and Nong Khanan Subdistricts, Phetchaburi Province

Abstract

Farmers in Rai Khok and Nong Khanan subdistricts, Phetchaburi province encountered problems of high rice production costs because of the use of chemical substances and chemical fertilizers. Farmers were also at risk of chemical exposure and chemical residues in the environment. Hence, they would take initiative in adjusting from current rice farming to organic rice production. This research was conducted in support of this change period by allowing 30 farmers in the community to participate in the preparation of organic rice production. The research process involves several aspects: 1) informing farmers in the community about the standard of organic agriculture and standard of good agricultural practice, 2) engaging farmers in planning and setting goals for rice cultivation, 3) transferring information of the Beauveria Bassiana proliferate technology and the vermicomposting production, 4) creating a mechanism of community participation, and 5) monitoring and evaluating the work process. The results show that using Beauveria Bassiana and vermicomposting has helped the farmers to lower their costs of about 1,800-2,000 baht/rai on chemicals and fertilizers. The rice yields are 415 and 558 kg/rai from Rai Khok subdistrict and Nong Khanan subdistrict respectively. Moreover, organophosphate residue was not found in the paddy or soil. Additionally, the risks of chemical substances and the chemical residues threatening the environment have also decreased. However, the conversion of production to organic rice will take approximately 2 years. Therefore, farmers should be given constant suggestions by the Provincial Agriculture Office to conform and be certified for organic rice standards.