| Author | An Pich Hatda |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no. AS-97-25 |
| Subject(s) | Agricultural systems--Cambodia--Battambang
|
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. AS-97-25 |
| Abstract | For the purpose of understanding the existing farming systems being practiced in the
rainfed lowland rice area, this study was undertaken in Battambang district, one of the well-recognized district in rice producing in Battambang province of Cambodia.
The study examined the local operational environment by investigation the
implications of all relevant factors such as physical, biological, resource, and socio-economic
that prevailed in the current agricultural production. Furthermore, the study also tried to find
out the economic viability and the incomes derived from each farming enterprise within the
current farming system. Annual family income from both farming and non/off-farm activities
was explored.
The study revealed that the existing farming system is the integrated system of crops,
dominantly rice, with livestock, vegetable and fruit tree on the area surrounding the house,
following mostly traditional farming. The degree of intensification and diversification in
farming is still low. Crops yield are low. The average wet and dry season rice yield is 1.5 t/ha
and 3.0 t/ha with almost the same return above variable cost of 1.5. Sweet potato gives the
highest retUl'n to variable cost (3.6), next followed by maize (2.9). Chicken raising provided
higher net return and return above variable cost (1.2 $/head, and 2.2) than pig and duck
rearing. Cattle are mainly raised for draft power, while some cow are reared for stock as well
as draft. Livestock production provided low yield due to poor breeds with long period of
production and epidemic diseases prevailing. Vegetable and fruit tree are grown primarily for
home consumption and only the surplus are sold for family income. Non/off-farm income is
earned mostly from off-farm work in agriculture during the wet season with the annual
average of $ 166.0. The study area was ease to access to the central provincial and district
market and good security. The prices of agricultural products are fairly reasonable.
The most relevant constraints which hinder the fai·mers from more diversified and
intensified farming are: lack of water supply for home use as well as irrigation, lack of
institutional supports especially government supports in agricultural extension, lack of cash
and low family income, natural calamities, uneven farm size holding, poor soil fe1tility. |
| Year | 1997 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ;no. AS-97-25 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (Former title: Department of Food Agriculture, and BioResources (DFAB)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Agricultural and Aquatic Systems(AS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Tinsley, R. L. ; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Hansen, G. K. ;Demaine, Harvey ;Dale, Reidar; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) ; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1997 |