Impact of pigeonpea research in enhancing sugarcane production in Thailand:Socioeconomic Policy Program. Working Paper Series no.9

Abstract

Impact of pigeonpea research in enhancing sugarcane production in Thailand. This assessment study was undertaken by the Thailand DOA in collaboration with ICRISAT to assess the contribution of pigeonpea as a green manuring crop in specific locations of Thailand-Khon Kaen and Udon Thani. The adoption of green manuring pigeonpea in sugarcane production from 1996 was estimated at 3.7% of the study area, covering an area of 4400 ha. It is expected that the ceiling level of adoption will reach 15% of the study area in the year 2004, covering an area of 18000 ha. Green manuring pigeonpea has the potential of reducing the use of chemical fertilizer in sugarcane production. It substitutes for IS-IS-IS NPK fertilizer at the rate of 312.5 kg ha· t • In comparison with the chemical fertilizer application at that rate, green manuring pigeonpea reduces unit cost by 4.3-8.4 %. By using the ceiling level of adoption of 15%, the net present value of benefits accruing to the study area is approximately 60-115 million baht, representing art internal rate of return of 65-82%. This study also provides lessons for future research and developm!