Southeast Asia - potential world food basket.

Abstract

It is suggested that southeast Asia has all the necessary prerequisite potentials in terms of land, water, year-round suitable climate and human resources to become a major world food basket. At the moment production is rather low, as is demonstrated for a number of crops by comparing average farm yields with yields obtained under controlled conditions of the experimental stations in the area. Mass application of modern technology, including water control and improvement of soil fertility, would be capable of closing the gap between present and potential production. The programme of agricultural planning and research sponsored by the Mekong Committee represents a major initial step in this direction, aiming to bring about changes from traditional agricultural practices to progressively greater use of modern technology, tailored to suit local conditions, in order to achieve higher sustained yields. ADDITIONAL ABSTRACT: It is suggested that S.E. Asia has all the potential requirements of a major food producer in terms of land, water supply, climatic conditions and labour resources. The large difference between present and potential crop yields under experimental conditions could be reduced by improved agronomic techniques. Lack of water control is the major factor limiting rice production in the lowlands where paddy yields are generally 1-2 t/ha compared with an attainable yield of 6 t/ha. In upland areas, soil fertility is the most important factor limiting yields and the wider use of multi-cropping or inter-cropping could greatly increase production. The potential of water conservation schemes such as the Pa Mong Reservoir on the Mekong River between Thailand and Laos is considered. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)