Alternative renewable energy sources for rice production in Thailand

Abstract

Agriculture is of great importance in the Thai economy; rice is the most important food crop and accounts for 20% of the total value of exports. Energy use in rice production depends upon the system used. In mechanical and transitional sysetms most of the energy subsidy is in the form of oil, fertiliser and machinery. In the traditional system, human labour and animal power are more important. Moving from the traditional to the mechanical system produces more rice but the extra fuel and fertiliser required cost about 50% of the total value of the rice produced. There are three ways in which reliance on imported fossil fuel can be reduced: increased efficiency in the use of energy; a reduction in losses; and substitution of renewable energy sources. Greater efficiency of energy use in cooking is also possible. © 1983.