Number of Smallholder Farms

• Estimated Number: Approximately 80,000 to 100,000 smallholder farms.
• Explanation: The majority of the province’s population engages in agriculture, primarily through small-scale, family-owned farms. These farms are typically less than 5 hectares (about 12 acres) in size.

Total Agricultural Land Area

• Estimated Area: Around 700,000 to 800,000 acres (approximately 283,000 to 323,700 hectares).
• Explanation: Nakhon Phanom covers an area of about 5,512 square kilometers (2,128 square miles). A significant portion of this land is devoted to agriculture, leveraging the fertile soil and access to water from the Mekong River and its tributaries.

Crops Cultivated

1. Rice
   • Details: The primary staple crop, grown predominantly during the rainy season. Both glutinous (sticky) and non-glutinous varieties are cultivated.
2. Rubber
   • Details: Rubber plantations have expanded due to favorable market prices, contributing significantly to the local economy.
3. Cassava
   • Details: Used for both domestic consumption and export, cassava is a vital cash crop.
4. Sugarcane
   • Details: Grown for sugar production and biofuel, benefiting from the province’s suitable climate.
5. Maize (Corn)
   • Details: Cultivated for animal feed and human consumption, often intercropped with other plants.
6. Fruits and Vegetables
   • Details: Includes bananas, mangoes, papayas, longan, and various leafy greens.
7. Kenaf and Other Fibers
   • Details: Used in the production of textiles, ropes, and biodegradable materials.
8. Soybeans and Peanuts
   • Details: Grown for oil extraction and as protein-rich food sources.

Livestock Farming

• Cattle and Buffalo
  • Details: Raised for meat, milk, and as draft animals.
• Poultry
  • Details: Chickens and ducks are common, both for meat and eggs.
• Pigs
  • Details: Swine farming is practiced on a smaller scale.

Agricultural Practices

• Irrigation Systems
  • Details: Combination of rain-fed and irrigated farming, utilizing water from rivers and reservoirs.
• Crop Rotation and Intercropping
  • Details: Techniques used to maintain soil fertility and reduce pest infestations.
• Use of Fertilizers and Pesticides
  • Details: Both organic and chemical inputs are used to enhance yields, with a growing interest in sustainable practices.

Challenges Faced

• Soil Degradation
  • Details: Intensive farming and improper land management leading to reduced soil quality.
• Water Scarcity
  • Details: Seasonal droughts affect crop yields; reliance on monsoon rains makes agriculture vulnerable to climate variability.
• Market Access
  • Details: Smallholders often face difficulties in accessing larger markets and obtaining fair prices for their products.
• Pests and Diseases
  • Details: Affect both crops and livestock, requiring effective management strategies.

Government and Non-Governmental Support

• Subsidies and Financial Aid
  • Details: Provided to farmers to purchase seeds, fertilizers, and equipment.
• Agricultural Extension Services
  • Details: Training and resources offered to improve farming techniques and increase productivity.
• Infrastructure Development
  • Details: Investments in roads, storage facilities, and irrigation to support the agricultural sector.
• Sustainability Initiatives
  • Details: Programs promoting organic farming, crop diversification, and environmental conservation.

Economic Impact

• Contribution to GDP
  • Details: Agriculture remains a significant part of Nakhon Phanom’s economy, contributing to both provincial and national GDP.
• Employment
  • Details: The agricultural sector is a major employer, providing livelihoods for a large portion of the population.

Summary

Nakhon Phanom Province is a vital agricultural hub in Thailand, with a high concentration of smallholder farms engaging in diverse farming activities. The province’s fertile land and favorable climate conditions support the cultivation of various crops and the raising of livestock. While exact figures may fluctuate, the estimates provided offer a comprehensive overview of the agricultural landscape in Nakhon Phanom.

Note: For the most current and precise data, it is recommended to consult official sources such as the Thai Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives or local government offices.