Changes in the Conscious Mind in Applying Technology for Growing Rice At the Chee River Basin in Northeastern of Thailand

Abstract

A study of Local technology for rice Farming at the time of crisis of communities along the Chee river basin, which was aimed at investigating the patterns of the Local technology , that farmers used to solve the problems of growing rice when facing a crisis and conditions related to the use of Local technology for rice. The researcher used the principles of field methodology for gathering data. The survey study was carried out in 25 villages in the Chee river basin. The study focused on the conditions of crises in 3 villages: the crisis of saline soil in Baan Doo Yai, Tambon Muang Plia, Amphur Baan Phai, Khon Kaen province; the crisis of flooding in Baan Kui Chuak, Tambon Nong Bua, Amphur Kosum Phisai, Mahasarkram province and the crisis of drought in Baan Don Klong, Amphur Muang, Yasothon province. This study focused on investigation of the methods, which were used for finding solutions to the farmer's problems.The results of the study found that the crisis features were created naturally. In addition, they had an effect on the country's development scheme which has led to modernization while ignoring the culture of the communities and the management of natural resources. Therefore, the rice yield was uncertain. One way of solving the problems was by making an adjustment to the rice farming calendar that conformed to the changes in nature and utilizing that knowledge by observing the changes that might occur. This included the application of rice farming methodology. The farmers sought modern technology in their use of farm equipment and tools, biotechnology and social technology to solve the problems. Applying these factors and conditions in utilizing different technologies, depending on the nature of the eco-cultural aspects. The indication of the use of technology was that the farmers possessed farm equipment and tools for rice farming. On the other hand, the use of manual labor and animals was decreased. The farmers were able to bring forth both one crop and two-crops a year and the yield was increased. Also it was found that, not only did the farmers grow rice, but they did other activities for a living. However, the main activity of the farmers was growing rice. The importance of growing rice was based upon natural factors, laborers and household economy. Making a living for the farmers was based upon the overlapping condition of dependence on the marketing. The patterns of production were: growing rice, livestock, employment, handicraft and other supplementary needs of occupations. A group of cooperatives for production was established for bargaining prices in the marketplace. The strength of the communities was created through the rice farming culture as a bridge to relationship. This was to protect, develop and return the ecological system to the communities in a sustainable, developmental manner. The most importance thing was to give dignity back to the farmers. Trends in the use of the Local technology for rice Farming of communities along the Chee river basin seems to be decreasing as the farmers increasingly bring appropriate-modern technology for use in growing rice.