Adaptation of Thai Farmers to the Dynamics of the Rice Production and Market in the Ban Khao Klang Community in Phatthalung Province During the COVID-19 Crisis

Abstract

This research studied the adaptations to the disruptions in rice production and the rice market by farmers and the factors or criteria affecting the existence of rice farmers, during the COVID-19 crisis in the Ban Khao Klang community of Phatthalung Province, Thailand. This qualitative study gathered data from primary and secondary sources, as well as participant observations, including in-depth interviews and group discussions with community leaders, local sages, government officials, wholesalers, farmers, and community enterprises, in 2021 and 2022.

The results show that the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the subsequent restrictions and national lockdown impacted rice production, the rice market, and the livelihoods of farmers. The farmers, as entrepreneurs, had to learn to adapt to the ever-changing market environment and improve their managerial and innovative skills to achieve their goals of producing rice for the market, making a profit, and finding ways and strategies to improve their product quality, as well as increase the efficiency of production itself. In order to transform Sangyod rice production during the COVID-19 crisis, farmers focused on low external input, organic farming, farmer-member selection, and creating farmer entrepreneur networks. In response to changes in the demand for Sangyod rice, farmers emphasized rice quality, value-added processed rice, and developing new organic rice products for local markets, farmers’ market tradeshows, and online sales avenues, such as Facebook and Line, by farming entrepreneurs. The COVID-19 pandemic also affected consumers’ purchasing behaviors. Factors related to adaptations included the accumulation of four types of capital which are complementary and are comprised of human capital, social capital, natural capital, and financial capital. Nevertheless, Sangyod rice prices were generally set higher than normal rice due to limited supplies because demand grew as consumers became aware of its health benefits. However, the Sangyod rice market remains limited as it is usually only sold by farmers’ groups or cooperatives. These findings suggest that, to facilitate stable and effective adaptation at the local level, government and institutional support are recommended to complement farmers’ autonomous adaptation of strategies to improved their decision-making, adaptation plans, and actions. Additionally, this should include integrating the actions of the government, private sector, and farmers to  understand consumer demand for healthier foods to tangibly and systematically develop The Sangyod rice market and niche markets.