Extension programs to promote rhizobial inoculants for soybean and groundnut in Thailand

Abstract

The promotion of rhizobial inoculants for soybean (Glycine max) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) in Thailand has been conducted by the Thai Department of Agricultural Extension (DOAE). The inoculant is produced by the Thai Department of Agriculture (DOA), which has a production capacity of 200 metric tons per year. The DOAE has emphasized inoculant use since 1982 through the Soybean Marketing and Production Development Project and the Groundnut Extension and Development Project. These projects are aimed at increasing the average yield and total production of the legumes, especially soybean. Both projects have been promoted through training, on-farm activities, local mobile units, and field day activities. There has been approximately a 35-fold increase in yearly legume inoculant use between 1977 and 1990. In 1990, the DOA produced a total of 126.35 metric tons of inoculants for soybean, groundnut, mung bean, and other minor legumes. Of this total, 117.67 metric tons were sold. This figure represents in 200-g bag quantities (i) 477 333 bags of soybean inoculant; (ii) 72 746 bags groundnut inoculant; (iii) 35 461 bags mung-bean inoculant; and (iv) 2 810 bags inoculant for minor legumes. In addition, the private sector under the Soybean Joint Venture Project has produced and distributed approximately 100 000 bags inoculant (also 200 g each) per year in 1989 and 1990. Key words: rhizobial inoculants, Thai Agricultural Extension, agricultural extension, legume inoculation.