Analysis of optimum alternative of farming systems for farmers in Huai-Yang irrigation project Srakhaew province

Study analysis of selecting appropriate farming alternatives is important in helping farmers make a right decision for their farming operation on what to produce how to produce how much to produce and when to produce. The concern government agencies are able to make use of this type of analysis in guiding and setting akppropriate programs and actions need for supporting the farmers' efforts and changes. The major purposes of this study are to identify the financial status of the farm operation and to analyse the optimum production plan for sample farmers in the Huai-Yang Irrigation Project in Srakhaew Province. A total of 30 sample farmers were selected purposively in the study. Financial ratio analysis. Linear Programming models and financial feasibility analysis were employed as the major analytical tools in the study. The analytical results of the farmers' financial status reveal that most farmers are not yet financially secure under the existing conditions. It is necessary for farmers to alter their farm operation and adjust their cost of living. The programming solutions of the optimum farm plan suggest that the farmers should grow fresh corn because the farmers are able to make best returns to their constraint resources from fresh corn production. The financial analysis of replacing paddy production by integrated farming alternative indicates that it is financially feasible for farmers to change from paddy production to integrated farming by expanding the area farmed. A long-term credit should be arranged and offer to support farmers in doing integrated farm. Regarding the sustainable agriculture the exiting systems operated by the sample farmers were not sustainable as their farming performance in terms of economic efficiency as well resource use capacity was declining from 1994 to 1997. Changing and adjustment in farming systems of farmers should be done following optimal solution obtained from the programming and financial analysis of integrated farming alternatives in order to ensure sustainable development of the sample farmers.