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The new theory of agriculture for mixed farming systems

Type: Technologies

Creation: 2018-10-28 10:09   Updated: 2021-01-07 10:56

Compilers: Prapa Taranet

Reviewers: Rima Mekdaschi Studer, William Critchley

Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment
  • Country: Thailand
  • Region/ State/ Province: Nakhon Si Thammarat province
  • Further specification of location (e.g. municipality, town, etc.), if relevant: Chang Sai sub-district, Phra Phrom district
  • Map: View Map

Description of the SLM Technology

Short description of the Technology

Allocating and managing small-scale farm areas to make them suitable for agricultural production under the highest levels of integration and efficiency.

Detailed description of the Technology

The new theory of agriculture is the application of improved mixed farming systems to poor farmers with smallholdings - for example in Chang Sai sub-district, Phra Phrom district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Thailand. The most important concept underlying the new theory of farming is efficient allocation of land to serve the different needs of farm households. This includes paddy fields, farm ponds for water and fish, and cash crops, fruit trees, and trees for farm income, plus a residential area. It's goal is solving the problem of shortage of land and water resources, which is a very serious problem in Thailand, in order to help smallholder farmers make a living. Apart from the fact that the size of the farm and water resources are the limiting factors in this area, the land is also degraded by both natural and human activities. The area is classified as sand dunes with low to very low soil fertility where farmers mostly grow the same crops continuously. This results in high risk of fluctuations in the amount of production - and insufficient food crop production for household consumption. Therefore, land allocation for agriculture under the concept of the new theory of agriculture is the appropriate use of resources in small-scale areas for optimal benefits and increases in household incomes. Nowadays, farmers in adjacent areas are realizing the benefits obtained from land allocation, and they have formed a group to improve the use of their small-scale holdings for optimal benefits.

The new agricultural theory was initiated by His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand to provide help for farmers with small-scale farms. For land allocation, the land is divided into 4 parts. Part 1 is designated for a pond to store rainwater during the rainy season and to supply water to grow crops in the dry season as well as for raising aquatic animals (fish, field crabs) and plants (such as morning glory, water mimosa, etc.). Part 2 is set aside for rice cultivation during the rainy season as the daily staple in households throughout the year, which cuts down on expenses and allows the farmers to be self-reliant. Part 3 is used for growing fruit trees, perennials, vegetables, and field crops for daily consumption. If there is any surplus from consumption, it can be sold. Part 4 is used for dwellings, animal husbandry, roads and other structures - including barns, strawstacks, compost, houses, mushroom nurseries, stalls, flowering-plants, ornamental plants, home-grown vegetables in backyard gardens. The proportion of the area in each section can be adjusted for either increase or decrease depending on the conditions of each location and the necessity of farmers who make use of the area, but it is usually 30:30:30:10.

Photos of the Technology

Image Farm ponds are used for storing rainwater and then for crops grown during dry season. This ponds are also used for raising aquatic animals (fishes, field crabs) and plants (such as morning glory, etc.).
Farm ponds are used for storing rainwater and then for crops grown during dry season. This ponds are also used for raising aquatic animals (fishes, field crabs) and plants (such as morning glory, etc.).
  • 📍 Chang Sai sub-district, Phra Phrom district, Nakhon Si Thammmarat province.
  • 📷 Prapa Taranet
Image Limes are cultivated in the area for both household and market purposes
Limes are cultivated in the area for both household and market purposes
  • 📍 Chang Sai sub-district, Phra Phrom district, Nakhon Si Thammmarat province.
  • 📷 Prapa Taranet
Image Vetiver grass is used to improve the soil quality in the farm and also applied to the bank of the ponds to protect against soil erosion.
Vetiver grass is used to improve the soil quality in the farm and also applied to the bank of the ponds to protect against soil erosion.
  • 📍 Chang Sai sub-district, Phra Phrom district, Nakhon Si Thammmarat province.
  • 📷 Prapa Taranet
Image The barn was simply built from timber and roof tiles, without walls, and is located in the residential area. The farmer has used it for storing rice for consumption in the household and sells it as seed stock for the next growing season.
The barn was simply built from timber and roof tiles, without walls, and is located in the residential area. The farmer has used it for storing rice for consumption in the household and sells it as seed stock for the next growing season.
  • 📍 Chang Sai sub-district, Phra Phrom district, Nakhon Si Thammmarat province.
  • 📷 Prapa Taranet
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