Insight Focus
- Cane and cassava crops performing well following good rainfall.
- Rain has brought weeds, though, and weed management is tough at present with input costs rising.
- Agricultural yields could drop unless weeds are contained.
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 farmer bios in case you missed them.
What Have You Been Up To, Chairat?
I’ve finished harvesting my 2021/22 cane. Some of the cassava I planted last October has also been harvested, freeing up land for cane planting this October.
I’m now working on land/weed management and fertiliser application for this year’s ratoon cane. Some of last year’s ratoon cane will have to be uprooted, leaving the land fallow until October.
I currently think I’ll plant 112 hectares of cane in 2022/23, 64 hectares being newly planted, with the other 48 hectares being ratoon cane. I’ll plant a further 32 hectares of cassava and just 1.6 hectares of rice for personal consumption.
What Stage is Your Crop At?
My cane and cassava crops are performing very well this year following good rainfall.
What’s Your Biggest Concern At Present?
This year’s good rainfall has encouraged more weeds to grow in the cane fields. If I fail to keep these weeds under control, my agricultural yields could drop, and I’ll lose money.
In more ordinary seasons, weed management wouldn’t be such an issue, but soaring herbicide and fertiliser costs are making it more difficult. In fact, the higher cost of production is the main challenge I’ll have to overcome next season.
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?
