Study on appropriate area ratio between food crops and energy crops in Thailand

Abstract

This study was on the appropriate area ratio between food crops and energycrops in Thailand and was conducted through the analysis of primary and secondarydata. Farmers planting food and energy crops in Thailand were interviewed. This study had two parts: (1) deriving an equation on the trend in plantation during the period B.E. 2010 - 2024 using a mathematical simulation model; and (2) determining the relationship between factors influencing the planting of food and energy crops in Thailand, as well as farmers' responses to government agricultural policies. Information obtained were analyzed by applying a weighted rating score for importance, obtained from interviews with farmers who were asked to rate the factors influencing their decision making for 4 kinds of crop plantation. Results from the study are in two parts: (1) mathematical simulation modeling showed that the land area used for three kinds of crops (rice, cassava, and sugar cane) had expanded during the stated period; and (2) the most influential factor upon the decision making process in cassava, sugar cane and eucalyptus production was production price. Whereas for rice, the most influential factor was the traditional occupation that had been practiced from generation to generation, and because rice is a preferred food choice for the Thai consumer population.