Tepparat Chantapan. The maintenance of the indigenous rice in southern Thailand : a case study of Bangkaew rice in Patthalung Province . Master's Degree(Rural Development Studies). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2003.
The maintenance of the indigenous rice in southern Thailand : a case study of Bangkaew rice in Patthalung Province
Abstract:
The objectives of this research are to study the status of indigenous rice in the
Bangkaew community, Patthalung province, to study factors affecting the existence of
indigenous rice, to study problems and obstacles affecting the existence of indigenous
rice, and to study the role of conservation and the development of indigenous rice.
Research methodology was qualitative research in the case study of the
Bangkaew rice strains, Patthalung Province. Anthropological fieldwork were
employed was participant observation, and interview. Interviews were done with key
informants, community leaders, and heads of the households. Data analysis was
analyzing folklore because the villagers use oral tradition in passing on stories, thus
displaying a characteristic of the community itself, and collecting cultural materials as
important data about indigenous knowledge of the people, thus displaying the history
of production and social relationships. Results illustrated that people in the Bangkaew
community have planted rice for a long time. There are many indigenous rice strains
that have been planted for consumption and sales. Changes in society and the
environment have dictated continuous change in the indigenous rice of Bangkaew
community, which can be divided into 3 main categories as (1)Bao rice (light rice),
Nak rice (heavy rice), and Klang Pee rice (mid-year rice) according to the length of
time they take in bearing yields . Planting Methods are broadcasting and transplanting.
The selection process begins in the paddy, with separation of the large, attractive
grains. At the time, there might have been experimentation with the rice grown at the
Rice Experiment Station in Pathalung. This is because at the time, there was support
and guarantees for 3 indigenous rice strains: Leb Nok Battany, Chiang Pathalung, and
Luk Daeng Pattani. It can be concluded that the maintenance of the indigenous rice of
Bangkaew Community depends on the change of environment, economy, society,
culture, and technology.
It is recommended for further researches to be done on the existence of
indigenous rice strains in the area along the Songkla Lake, such as Songkla, Nakorn
Sri Thammarat, and Patthalung, because the aforementioned areas have similar
ecosystems. Such a study could then point out the various rice strains existing in the
area and find further ways to conserve them. It is also recommended that there be a
study regarding indigenous rice strains that are fragrant and soft, which at present
have disappeared. The study would seek to find the causes and problems that have
made these qualities disappear; the research might be a joint research between the
farmers in Bangkaew community and the relevant governmental authorities.