Evaluation and Monitoring of Rice Seed Quality in Phichit Province

Abstract

Phichit is one of a major rice production area in the lower northern region of Thailand. However, farmers always face a problem with insufficient amount of good quality seeds. They have to relay on local seed suppliers. This study was aimed to evaluate and monitor the quality of rice seeds in order to gather information on rice seed industry and farmers' need in Phichit province. There were 3 activities conducted in 2008. The first activity was to survey and evaluate the quality of rice seeds from local seed producers and seed suppliers. It was found that there were 6 seed producers, 2 farmer groups growing rice seeds and 57 shops selling rice seeds in the area. There were 28 cultivars under 64 different brands available on the market. Some cultivars that share a majority in the market consist of Phisanulok 2, Suphanburi 3, Chinat 1, Suphanburi 1, 75-Day and Rachinee. Most of rice seeds available on the market are produced in Chai Nat and Suphan Buri. Most of seed samples (68%) did not reach the standard of multiplication seed due to the excess amount of red rice, other cultivars and inert matters. The second activity was to survey and evaluate the quality of rice seeds produced and used by farmers themselves. It was found that all seed samples did not reach the standard of multiplication seed due to not only the excess amount of red rice, other cultivars and inert matters, but also poor germination percentage and high moisture content. The third activity was to monitor and evaluate the quality of rice seeds maintained by farmers after adopting from government agents. It was found that the quality of almost all samples (93%) did not reach the standard of multiplication seed due to the excess amount of inert matters, other cultivars, red rice and poor germination percentage.