Author(s): Suwanmaneepong, S., Mankeb, P., Kuhaswonvetch, S., Kerdsriserm, C., Cavite, H.J., & Llones, C.
Given the pressing concerns of urbanisation in the suburban areas in Thailand, rice farmers’ production performance and efficiency remain below the national target and are not seen to improve unless research-based policies are formulated and fully enforced. This study employed cost and return, and stochastic frontier analyses to measure rice production’s performance and technical efficiency in the suburban rice areas of Bangkok, Thailand, considered as appropriate zoning locations for rice cultivation. Data were obtained from 365 rice farmers. The parameters of the stochastic production function were estimated using the maximum likelihood technique. Results showed that farmers’ rice production is fairly profitable, with major expenditure allotted on variable costs such as labor, fertiliser, seeds, and fuel. Technical efficiency analysis showed that individual farmers had an efficiency score ranging from 37 to 98 percent, indicating high variations of production performances among farmers. Farmers’ availability of arable land for rice production in suburban areas significantly affects technical efficiency. The study suggests that preserving zoning areas and extending available areas for cultivation while providing farming assistance could improve farmers’ technical efficiency and profitability.