Measuring sustainability performance of rice cultivation in Thailand using Sustainable Rice Platform indicators

Abstract

The sustainability level of current rice farming practices in Thailand was assessed based on in-field data from interviewing 2000 farmers covering six rice varieties and their different production systems. Data were collected on farmers’ characteristics and farming activities according to the 41 requirements of the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) standard. The SRP scores ranged from 53 to 81%, with the best performance by Khao Dawk Mali 105 cultivated in rainfed, organic production systems. The key success factors were linked to the formation of a farmer group resulting in very good performance on farm management, Integrated Pest Management, health and safety, and water use. The proposed 12 performance indicators (PIs) interconnected with the 41 requirements are considered appropriate to measure and monitor progress toward sustainable rice cultivation for policy makers. PIs for good governance, affordability of living costs, energy-use efficiency, and life satisfaction could potentially be added, considering the local context in relation to sustainable agriculture goals. The successful cases of SRP-certified rice farms and the benefits from SRP implementation should be conveyed to with other rice farmers to induce wider implementation. The SRP scores and PIs were useful to identify areas requiring priority interventions to make progress toward sustainability.