- In this series, we’re following farmers around the world.
- We’ll look at what they’re up to on the farm, hear their concerns, and celebrate their triumphs.
- Here’s the link to the farmers’ bios in case you missed them.
What Have You Been Up To, Chairat?
I’ve harvested my cassava and rice. My agricultural yields for cassava look better this year. The selling price is also high at 2.5 THB/kg, up from 2 THB/kg last year.
The picture is less positive for my rice yields, but this is fine as most of it will be consumed by my family and staff.
I’ve also harvested around 5% of my cane. Sucrose yields look good this year following cool weather with just the right amount of rainfall.
All in all, I’m hoping 2021/22 and 2022/23 will be the ‘golden years’ for myself and other farmers in the region.
What Stage is Your Crop At, Chairat?
My newly planted cane and cassava has a high germination rate thanks to good soil moisture. This should mean the crops are able to withstand the dry season, which runs between December and May.
My cane tillering rate should also be good as I managed to use a good cane cultivar and was organised with my land preparation.
What’s Your Biggest Concern, Chairat?
I may struggle to source workers for fresh cane harvesting. Having said that, most are now willing to cut fresh cane as the industry can support it more freely. The workers may also struggle to avoid cutting fresh cane now burning restrictions are tightening. Fortunately, I’m in a position where I can offer the harvesters more money to carry out the work.
Another concern of mine is the energy crisis. It’s making fuel, fertilizer, pesticide, and herbicide more expensive. This is worrying as my overall cost of production could be high next year. I’m still not sure how to tackle this problem…
Other Insights That May Be of Interest…
The World Needs More Sugar…Can Thailand Help?
Our Thai Road Trip: Cane, Cassava and Car Trouble
Our Thai Road Trip: Cane and Cassava in Close Competition
Our Thai Road Trip: The Future Looks Bright for the Cane Industry
Will Thailand’s Stricter Cane Burning Rules Hit Sugar Production?
