Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security in Thailand:

National Government Perspectives & Policies

Ladawan Kumpa
Deputy Secretary General
National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB)
Presented at Higher Education for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security in Thailand and
Southeast Asia, School of Agriculture Resources (CUSAR), Bangkok
20 March 2015

Presentation Outline
Agricultural Situation & Problems

Agricultural Development Plan

Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security

Importance of agricultural sector

Thailands development has been generally based on agricultural production
GDP by Sectors
LABOR: The agricultural sector is mainly
supported by smallholders , about 1/3 is
presently employed in agriculture.

LAND: 133 million rais or 41% of total land is

engaged in agricultural sector.
- 68 million rais or 50% is accounted for paddy area,
- 30 million rais or 23% is accounted for other
croplands.

Share of GDP in agricultural sector has

been decreasing.
Agricultural production accounts for only 8%
of GDP in 2014.
However, the agricultural sector still has an
important role to play in the countrys
production structure.

EXPORT: Although its GDP share has decreased

substantially, it still accounts for 30% of total
exports by value, and agricultural imports
remain very small.
SAFETY NET: The agricultural sector is the
unofficial social safety net which helps absorb
the newly unemployed during the crisis by
providing job opportunities in farmland

Diversification of agriculture in Thailand

Agriculture is highly diversified and specialised, different geography conditions
Northern Region
Mountainous area
Main agriculture produce are
lychee and longan

Southern
Region
Coastal area / high rainfall
Main agriculture produce are
palm oil, para rubber,
fisheries (shrimp)

North-eastern Region
Plain area / low rainfall and
drought
Main agriculture produce are
cassava and maize

Central Region
Plain area / Irrigated area
Main agriculture produce are
rice

Good logistics and supply

chain management
livestock and chicken
4

Main Agricultural Export Commodities

In 2013, total value of agricultural product exports was 1,268,217 mil B.
Export value of
major agricultural products, 2012 - 2013

Source: OAE

Share of export value

by major country, 2013

Characteristics of Thailands Agriculture

Problems of internal factors in agriculture

INPUT
LAND

LABOR

LAND
Small average farm size
average farm holding area per household 4.07 ha
farmers in the Central plain region had the highest farm size 5.9 ha,
while the Northeast 3.71 ha
Decrease in percentage of farmers own farms
prevent expansion in investment and returns to scale
farmers in the Central plain had the highest rented area/farm
Extensive utilization of land but limited fertile and irrigated land
the majority of the farming population depends on the weather
and other natural conditions

CAPITAL

Surface soil which contains nutrients were lost covering and

the damaged area has been increasing
directly hurt agriculture production as it reduced production
efficiency and accelerated the use of chemicals

Characteristics of Thailands Agriculture

Problems of internal factors in agriculture

INPUT
LAND

LABOR
LABOR

Decrease in agricultural laborers 37% of total labor,

increase in average age of the agricultural labor
The intensive chemical use of commercial farming damaged
farmers health and quality of life
increase in illnesses and casualties from pesticides (both producer
and consumer)

CAPITAL
CAPITAL / TECHNOLOGY
Low level of application of modern technology / R&D
Inefficient and high cost of agricultural logistics mechanism
7

Characteristics of Thailands Agriculture

Low agricultural productivities and poverty in agricultural sector

INPUT

OUTPUT
Sources of growth in agriculture

LAND

POVERTY
LABOR
Farmers suffer net
losses from their
production, especially
for small farmers.

CAPITAL

Source: NESDB (2013)

Natural Disasters

Instability of Market Price

Low product price, debt,

and quality of life are
main problems to the
farmers
8

Low Agricultural Productivities

Economic crops: Rice, Cassava, Para-rubber
Kg./rai

US
Kg./rai

India

Rice Yield (2009 2013)

China

Japan

Korea

Cassava Yield (2009 2011)

Vietnam Ivory Coast Thailand

Source: Office of Agricultural Economics, MOAC

Sri Lanka

Vietnam Indonesia

Kg./rai

Brazil

India

Laos

Thailand

Para-rubber Yield (2009 2011)

Indonesia Thailand Vietnam

Ghana

Brazil
9

Presentation Outline
Agricultural Situation & Problems

Agricultural Development Plan

Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security

10

National Development Plans

Evaluation of national plans to balance and sustainability
11th Development Plan
(2012-2016)

1st 7th Development Plans

Focused on utilizing
workforce and natural
resources

Use Human Capital +

Technology and Innovation
+ Reconciliation

An imbalanced
economic growth
8th 10th Development Plans
Stressed on Human
Capital development
Moved Towards
Sufficiency Economy

11

Situation changes during 11th NESDP

Evaluation of national plans to balance and sustainability

Major global changes

Global rules and regulation

Multi-polar world economy
Aging society
Global climate change
Global security on food
and energy
Technological progress
International terrorism threat

Major internal changes

Economic and financial aspect
Social aspect
Natural resource and
environmental aspect
Spatial aspect
National security aspect

12

Objectives and Targets

Under 11th National Economic and Social Development Plan

Main Objectives
To promote a peaceful society with good governance.
To promote sustainable development through restructuring the economy,
society and politics, and nurturing natural resources and environment.
To prepare the people and the community to be resilient to changes

Key Targets

Thai society is more peaceful and has good governance.

All citizens are under social protection.
Total factor productivity in every sector is increased.
Shares of agricultural and service sectors in the economy are increased.
Share of creative economy is increased.
Thailands competitiveness ranking is improved.
Natural resources and environmental quality are improved.
13

Six Development Strategies

Under 11th National Economic and Social Development Plan

Creation of Quality Human Capital and Society

Promoting the just society
(Strategy 1)
Human Development toward a sustainable lifelong learning society (Strategy 2)

Economic Restructuring
Strengthening of agricultural sector , food & energy security
Restructuring the economy toward quality growth
and sustainability
Creation of regional connectivity for social and economic stability

(Strategy 3)
(Strategy 4)
(Strategy 5)

Management of Natural Resources

Managing natural resource and environment toward
sustainability

(Strategy 6)
14

Challenges affecting agricultural development

Risk Factors

Depletion of Natural Resources in Thailand

Climate change is more severe
Almost small-scale farming are facing high production cost
Increase in Bioenergy Demand and Production
Free Trade Agreement and ASEAN Economic Community
AEC Blueprint : Agriculture and Food
o

Tax free within year 2015

Except the sensitive list (<5%),

Except highly sensitive list (tax reduced varied in different rate )

Quality safety and security of food

HCCP, GAP, GAHP, GHP, GMP,

R&D and Technology transfer

Networking of Coop and SMEs

15

Challenges affecting agricultural development

Market Trend

Kimono produced from Thai silk

Healthy

Convenient

Creative

Less
environmental
impact

Organic Cotton

16

The 11th National Plan in Agriculture

Targets
To empower the
agricultural sector to
become an efficient
production base that can
produce food and energy
with value, quality and high
standards, including using
environmentally friendly
methods to generate
sufficient food supplies to
meet market demands with
fair trade and at affordable
prices, but with
consideration for food
security as the first priority

An increase in the proportion of agricultural

commodities and agro-industrial products
to be at least 16% of GDP
Expanding sustainable agricultural areas
at least 5% per year and enhancing consumer
access to safe and healthy food at fair prices

An improved employment security and

income for farmers to enhance the ability to
repay debt
Agricultural households to become
self-sufficient and consume up to 50% of
their own produce by 2016
An increase in ethanol and biodiesel production
with the target of not less than 6.2 and 3.6
million liters per day, respectively
17

The 11th National Plan in Agriculture

Strategy for Strengthening of agricultural sector , food & energy security (1)

1. Developing the natural resource base to strengthen

the agricultural sector
Conserve and protect productive agricultural land and support small-scale farmers
to own land for cultivation or to have the rights to arable land

Accelerate the process of expropriating private land for agricultural land reform
and enable tax mechanisms to encourage land utilization
Establish an organization and land management system to drive the process of
land distribution equitably, distribute land rights to farmers
Restore fertility of land resource, as well as develop integrated water resource
management and increase efficiency of water resource use
Regain and encourage good agricultural culture and norms, especially the way of life
related to sustainable farming
18

The 11th National Plan in Agriculture

Strategy for Strengthening of agricultural sector , food & energy security (2)

2. Increasing agricultural productivity

Emphasize agricultural research and development, especially flora and fauna species
which are adaptive and able to respond to the impact of climate change
Promote agricultural production in accordance with geography, soil productivity,
markets, infrastructure such as irrigation and logistics system
Control standards of imported and used of chemicals and pesticides in farming ;
encourage use of organic matters, and educate farmers to use pesticide in proper way
Encourage production supporting the biodiversity base in accordance with climate
and environmental conditions and emphasize on R&D esp. technology development
Develop and enhance knowledge, science and technology appropriate to
agriculture through learning centers and local scholar networks
19

The 11th National Plan in Agriculture

Strategy for Strengthening of agricultural sector , food & energy security (3)

3. Creating value added for agricultural products throughout

the supply chain
Support communities to increase value in food and energy production and services
in economic development on biodiversity and local wisdom to create uniqueness

Develop cash aquacultures , production technology to reduce production cost, and

improve and develop qualified breeds / increase the value of livestock production
Strengthen the central market and agricultural future exchange market by
providing incentives
Promote the private sector and local communities to play a role in agricultural product
and food management by cooperating with agricultural institutions
Promote logistic management and productivity development for the agricultural sector
that can connect to the whole supply chain
20

The 11th National Plan in Agriculture

Strategy for Strengthening of agricultural sector , food & energy security (4)

4. Establishing agricultural careers and income security

Develop an income / crop insurance system covering all farmers in order to continue
to restructure to attain sustainable production with increasing productivity
Promote the fairness of the contract farming system to assure guaranteed incomes
and secure raw materials supplied
Improve farmers social welfare / Attract youths, young farmers and skilled labor
to engage in farming
Develop agricultural institutes, cooperatives, and small and micro community
enterprises as mechanisms to enhance self reliance and sustainability for farmers
Promote Thailand as a centre of food processing in ASEAN by improving efficiency
in import procedures for material inputs; strengthen small-scale farmers
21

The 11th National Plan in Agriculture

Strategy for Strengthening of agricultural sector , food & energy security (5)

5. Establishing food security and the development in bio-energy

at household and community levels
Promote farmers to plant trees as well as community forests
Promote the sustainable agriculture following the Philosophy, such as organic farming
integrated farming and new theory agriculture, especially for small-scale farmers
Link local production and consumption networks which can establish direct
relationship between consumers and producers
Promote the application of zero waste principles in agricultural activities in order to
utilize farm residuals and by-products to produce bio-energy
Develop an infrastructure or mechanism to systematically enhance food security in
the community by supporting the role of locals to manage infrastructure services
22

The 11th National Plan in Agriculture

Strategy for Strengthening of agricultural sector , food & energy security (6)

6. Securing bio-energy production to support the countrys development

and strengthen the agricultural sector
Promote research and development, and technology application to increase energy
crop productivity as well as research on other non-food crops

Establish the management system for agricultural product for food and energy
by focusing on food security
Enhance the efficiency of bio-energy production and utilization in both
the manufacturing and service sectors
Provide mechanisms to monitor bio-energy prices resulting in price stabilization and
fairness to consumers and producers without affecting the nations food production
Raise awareness of efficiency of bio-energy utilization
23

Presentation Outline
Agricultural Situation & Problems

Agricultural Development Plan

Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security

24

Definition: Sustainable Agriculture

Of Sustainable Agricultural Development from FAO

The management and conservation

of the natural resource base, and
the orientation of technological and
institutional change in such a manner
as to ensure the attainment and
continued satisfaction of human needs
for present and future generations.
Such development... conserves land,
water, plant and animal genetic
resources, is environmentally
non-degrading, technically appropriate,
economically viable and socially
acceptable
25

Sustainable Agricultural Practices

By FAO
Agricultural systems, in both developed and developing countries, need to
use new approaches to increase food supplies while protecting the
resources on which they depend.
fully exploit natural processes such as recycling nutrients, using plants that
fix their own nitrogen and achieving a balance between pests and predators;
reduce the reliance on inputs such as mineral fertilizers and chemical
pesticides;
diversify farming systems, making greater use of the biological and genetic
potential of plant and animal species;
improve the management of natural resources;
rotate crops or develop agroforestry systems that help maintain soil fertility.

The ultimate objective should be the optimum mix of agricultural practices,

both old and new, in order to maximize sustainable output within the
limits of available resources.
26

Classification of Sustainable Agriculture in Thailand

5 Types of sustainable agriculture practices
Farming system that has at least two different agricultural activities in
the same field, for example, paddy and fish raising, or pig farming, fish
raising and vegetable plantation.
Practicing various agricultural activities at the same time helps reduce
costs, that is, the economy of scale is working. For instance, manure and
other farm residues can be used as fertilizer when planting crops.

This system is suitable for a small-scale farmer, letting him make best use
of limited field area.
In practice, the system is widely used in the central area of Thailand,
where there are a plenty of water resources.

Farming system that uses only organic fertilizer and herb-based insectcontrol compound.
The reasons of practicing organic farming are a higher demand for organic
food and demand for improving soil quality and underground water quality.
Until recently, organic rice and vegetables had been sold only in Bangkok
and other major cities. Yet, the market of organic food is now increasingly
expanding.
27

Classification of Sustainable Agriculture in Thailand

5 Types of sustainable agriculture practices
Natural farming's concept is no tillage, no application of fertilizer, herbicide
and insecticide.
For the ecological preservation aspect, natural farming is ultimate sustainable
agriculture practice.
At the present, there is nowhere perfectly practicing the natural farming system
in Thailand. Yet, a few natural farming cases can be seen in the Northeastern.
Agroforestry is an idea to put agriculture and afforestation together,
that is, to plant cash crops or raise livestock while planting trees
in the same area.
Its objectives are not only to increase farmers' income, but also to decrease
deforestation induced by agricultural area expansion. Besides, it also helps
improve the soil quality and biodiversity.
Agroforestry is conducted in the Northern and Southern areas.

Agricultural system proposed by His Majesty the King Bhumiphol

Adulyadej in 1993. Its basic concept is self-sufficiency.
Crop selling is a next step after attaining self-sufficiency.
The concept is most appropriate to the farmers that have limited small field
and lack water.

28

New Theory Farming System in Thailand

Divide the field into 4 parts in the approximate ratio of 30:30:30:10
30% Trees/ crops

30% Pond

Water saving for all

year round
Fish Aquaculture to
increase more income
At the edge of the
pond - growing vetiver
grass to protect soil
erosion

Fruits trees
Perennial trees
Annual tress
Herb and spice
Multi-purpose trees
Field crops

30% Paddy Field

10% Residential

ECONOMY

One crop /year

Storage for year round
consumption

SOCIETY

ENVIRONMENT

Other activities:
vegetable, herb,
mushroom, livestock
29

Definition: Food Security

Concept and Determinant Factors of Each Pillar

Source: FAO

30

National Agricultural Plans

Focus on increasing productivity, food security and sustainable development

1st

4th

3rd

7th

Plan

Plan

8th 10th Plan

Sustainable Agriculture
Promotion in 8th Plan

- To increase productivity continuously in order to respond to

export markets especially cash crops (rice, corn, cassava rubber)
- To develop the irrigation system
- To provide soft loan for farmers
- To increase productivity continuously
- To restructure agricultural production
- To develop farmers skill to increase ability at making decision
on marketing instead of supporting production inputs
- To develop farmers skill to increase ability at making decision
on marketing instead of supporting production inputs
- To develop quality and standard for Thai products in order to
respond to the non-tariff barriers
Aim to revive the rural community using sustainable farming
by reaching 25 mil rai for sustainable agriculture
and 20 percent of national arable land
targeting 8 mil farmers.
31

Agricultural Development Plan

By Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC)

32

Food Security
Increasing efficiency and productivity in agriculture

1 Plant Genetic Improvement

Case: Maize breeding for
drought tolerance

Increase yield, quality and nutrition

New plant varieties that are well-suited to
particular geographical locations
Plants that are suitable for harvesting and
production technologies
Plants that are tolerant of local pests and
diseases

2 Pest Management

Case: Water chestnut

sweeping net

Case: Area-wide integrated

control of fruit flies

Integrated pest management

(IPM system) = area-wide
pest management: key
strategy
33

Food Security
Value Creation for agricultural products
Kessara Bakery Shop has an idea to bring PlaShaon,
local fish in Singburi, as an important ingredient for
cake and ice cream
Dried Som Tum Thai Smile vacuumed and dried
food keeps the freshness of vegetables for Som
Tum. Cooked in microwave oven for a few minutes,
you can enjoy the authentic Thai Som Tum in terms of
taste, sweetness, as well as preserved nutrition

Proud is the Thai sweet brand name.

Its selling point is to package Thai traditional sweets
and dried fruits in nice-looking forms. It is suited for
gifts in every occasion.
34

Food Security
Development of aquaculture
Standardization

Development of the
Resource Exploration

Organic Fishery

Aquatic Species
Development

Consumer
Confidence
Building

Value Added Product Development

35

Food Security
Development of livestock/ poultry production

31

Cattle production : Thai-French Natural Beef

42

Poultry Product Safety

Case: Pon Yang Khams Traceablity system links animals to final products

Various techniques to improve

livestock production
Breeding
Standard production
procedures
Animal epidemic control
Animal fee
Broiler Farm Standard (2002)
Chicken Breeder Farm
Standard (2003)
Poultry Hatchery Standard
(2003)
Layer Farm Standard (2003)
Duck Breeder and Duck Farm
Standard (2003)
36

1. Organic Agriculture Development

The organic export of Thailand valued US$ 100 mil. in 2010

(rice, fruit, vegetable) growing market for OA

Thailand has broad variety of indigenous plants

suitable environment

Thailand has intensive local wisdom and knowledge in agriculture:

OA involved with self-sufficiency and local content

Good cooperation and networking between

entrepreneur and farmer

OA less environmental impact

Consistent with climate change concern and healthy/safety food
37

National Organic Agriculture Plan

Under the National Organic Agricultural Development Committee
Objective: Aim to..
Upgrade

the quality of life of

both farmers and consumers

Bring

Focus on..

People-centered approach

Sufficiency Economy philosophy:

advocated by
His Majesty the King

Public participation

about food security

Increase
Reduce

competitiveness

poverty

Sustainable

development

National Organic Agriculture Plan

4 Main Strategies

Support R&D/
Innovation
Initiative public
awareness
campaigns to
stimulate
demand and
promote
consumption
Establish
national organic
information
database

Support local
networks
strength

Support
supply chain
networking

Extend local
markets

Develop OA
standard

Develop
marketing
knowledge

New OA export
markets

Form
effective OA
development
mechanism

39
39

2. Thailand: Kitchen of the World

International Agriculture Strategies for 2012 - 2016

40

1) Halal Food
World leading exporter of agricultural and food commodities

High economic value

: In 2012, the
world food market reached a value of
USD 1.26 trillion, and the potential food
products that can level up to the Halal
standard was valued at USD 1.01 trillion
(Evaluated from Global Trade Atlass data
by Thailands National Food Institute)

Thailands Food Export Value

USD billion

Export value of Worlds food products

Export value of potential food product
to Halal
Source : Thailands National Food Institute

In 2012, export value of agricultural commodities was

1.35 trillion Baht, including food products (source: OAE)
the potential food products that can level up to the
Halal standard was valued at USD 1.01 trillion
In 2012, the potential food products that can level up to
the Halal standard for OIC export market was valued at
USD 6,534 trillion.

Thailands export value for OIC market

USD Billion

Export value of potential food product to Thai Halal

Export value of potential food product to Thai Halal for OIC market
Export value of potential food product to World Halal
Source : Thailands National Food Institute

41

1) Halal Food
Strategic Plans
To develop Halal
Accreditation

To strengthen
Halal business &
production

Developing the system of Halal Accreditation internationally and

improving related law and regulations according with current
changes
Developing HR to be Halal Expert or Halal Specialist
More financing to support enterprise in Halal production
Encouraging entrepreneurs to Halal standard production
Developing Halal industry trough supply chains, linking to other
sector such as tourism & services
Expanding domestic and international markets widely by the
collaboration with Thai embassy, Agricultural Ambassador and
Commercial Ambassador
Creating Thailands Halal product image by the collaboration with

Public relation &

religious org. ,gov. agency and public media
market expansion Expanding domestic and international markets widely by the

collaboration with Thai embassy, Agricultural Ambassador and

Commercial Ambassador

42

2) Organic Food
The worlds organic market value tends
to expands continuously. In 2011 the
value was estimated at 63,000 USD billion.
The largest organic market is USA and
then Germany and France.
(source: Organic Monitor)

World s organic food market

Source : Earth Net Foundation, 2012

Thailands organic market value also

expands continuously. In 2010 the
production of organic food was 47,547
tons, valued at 1,752 million baht. The
organic farm area now is 215,548 rai.
Tons

World s organic food market

Million baht

Source : Earth Net Foundation, 2012

43

2) Organic Food
Strategic Plans
Develop
Promote R&D and technology transfer
knowledge
Support the research related to food substance derived from organic
and
produce
innovation
Develop
organic
supply chain

Develop an infrastructure for organic farming

Strengthen the networking of organic production and market
Create public awareness of the consumption pattern to change to organic
food

Create
organic
standard for
Thai product

Develop organic standard to create customer acceptance for both

domestic and international market
Establish the strict accreditation for organic produce

Public
relation &
market
expansion

Promote Thailand as the center of organic food production in SE Asia

Expand domestic consumption and international market through the AEC
collaboration
Raise the public awareness of consumption and production pattern to
change to organic practice

44

3) Food for Export

Food Development Plan for Export

Targets

Food export increases by 10% a year

Food enterprises having the standard increases by 5% a year
Thai Food image are good taste high quality and healthy
Create One Stop Service for food industry development

Food development for export

Level up the standard

accreditation

Promote Thai food

image and Thailands
World Kitchen

Promote R&D for

value creation
through the supply
chain

Develop Human resource

and international
collaboration

Promote food safety

awareness
Strict to import process
Promote networking of
safety consumption

Create brand and image

through public relation
Open new market channel
Promote the road show of
Thai food

Source : Thailands National Food Institute

Create value of raw

material
Create the collaboration of
R&D
Promote food safety
through supply chain
Develop food processing
machine

Increase food quality

Promote Thailand to be
the Worlds kitchen
Improve law and
legislation on food
Develop HR for food
industry development
Create the international
networking of academic
collaboration
45

Higher Education for Sustainable Agriculture

Master of Science Program in Sustainable Agriculture in Thailand
Objectives: To build up the research capacity
and research skill by integrative approach
that can be applied to enhance
the sustainability of agriculture and
environment at the international level
Academic Institutions:
Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University
Faculty of Science and Technology,
Thammasat University
Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen
University (Systems Agriculture)
Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat Univesity
(Sustainable Agriculture System)
46

Higher Education for Sustainable Agriculture

Training Program in Sustainable Agriculture in Thailand
Prince of Songkla University
- Organic Agricultural Strategies
in Thai Style to Food Safety

Maejo University
- Organic Agriculture
Standard

Khon Kaen University

- International Training in
Sustainable Crop Production
47

Higher Education for Sustainable Agriculture

Highlight issues on sustainable agricultural education
1

6
Generate
entrepreneurial skills

5
Enhance
post-harvest
processing to
higher value
added

Change to
more
integrated
approach

2
Develop new
knowledge
and
innovation

Sustainable
Agricultural
Education

4
Skill
development
in chemical
use

3
Support R&D
application
into
practices

48

Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security in Thailand:

National Government Perspectives & Policies

Ladawan Kumpa
Deputy Secretary General
National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB)
Presented at Higher Education for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security in Thailand and
Southeast Asia, School of Agriculture Resources (CUSAR), Bangkok
20 March 2015