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manufacturers. The earlier models (e.g., l-row, 2-row, and even 3-row machines)
were unsatisfactory when tested on farms. In 1985-86, when DSR was popular,
the seeders used by project personnel were 2-row machines operated using
manual labor. Further modifications were done after a dialogue with farmers,
FSRI field personnel, and researchers from the Division of Agricultural
Engineering. In 1986, a 4-row model drawn by a small tractor was tested in
tambon San Koang. This inodel is now popular in the study area.
The role of Dok Kham Tai Agricultural Extension Office
After the project ended in 1986, the Department of Agricultural Extension
ceased to work with FSRI. It is unfortunate that the personnel of the District
Office of Agricultural Extension in tambon Kaset were new appointees, thus,
they were unaware of the events that had taken place before 1986. They learned
about mungbean before rice from farmers. but they learned nothing about DSR.
(Our team provided them with information about the practice and popularity of
DSR in Dok Kham Tai.) The agricultural data they collected were highly
aggregated. For example, information on mungbean from lowlands and uplands
were aggregated into a single category. Similarly, DSR and TPR were taken as
one category.
Role of farmers in adaptation and testing new technologies
Farmers in the area were active in testing new technologies. They observed the
performance of new technologies in their neigllborhood, sought new ways of
doing things, and knew about sources of seed varieties and farm machinery. For
example, a FSRI cooperator \vho planted mungbean (Utong 1) wanted new
varieties that would perform better. He went to Kasetsart University in Bangkok
to buy Kampaengsaen 1 and 2, which were not available in his area. Later, he
found that Kampaengsaen 2 was more appropriate to his cropping system. He
was also among the first farmers to test DSR, but he was not very successful
because of weed problems.
Threshing machines are essential for mungbean production. The project
offered a threshing machine that worked well but was not yet available in the
market. A group of farmers traveled to Khon Kaen. Northeast Thailand. to
purchase one for their own use and for renting at THBO.SO/kg. In 1?90, about
5-6 more threshers were available in tambon San Koang. M~ingbean was initially
planted using a mechanical seeder. Later, through dialogue with farnlers, it was
agreed that broadcast seeding would be a better method.
When problems concerning rainfall patterns and high labor costs in TPK
were encountered, some farmers thought about the possibility of DSR. Farmers
experimented with ways to control weed problems through good land
preparation and alternation of DSR with TPR. They also sought information
about obtaining 4-row seeders and traveled to Sukothai to purchase one.