The Rice Production Situation and Mechanization Level in the North Region of Thailand: Chiang Rai Province

Abstract. The research objected to evaluated rice mechanization production situation and analyze on rice mechanization level of Chiang Rai province for speed up rice mechanization development. The analysis was conduct out through primary data integrated with secondary data. 500 farmers of three selected districts were interviewed. The investigated area covered 1,279 ha, of that 57%was practiced a single crop. The results showed land complete mechanized in different portion of power used patterns as walking, riding and both in walking-riding tractor 21, 54 and 25 %, respectively. The mechanization of planting, 39% was direct sowed by power broadcaster and 7% was transplanter used. Crop protection of fertilizer applying was 43% power knapsack broadcaster used and of chemical applying was 30% power knapsack sprayer adopted. The mechanization of harvesting was 91% combine harvester implemented. The mechanization of drying was not particle in field level, about directly sold to mill or collector was 29%. The small farm scale is influence to mechanization efficiency, the high costs of machinery affects to mechanization development. To level up rice mechanization, the land consolidation for scale enlarging, cooperative establishment and mechanization policies should be implemented focus on the region requirements. The mechanization of planting and crop protection are required to speed up on development in this province.