Rice farmers use cool weather to switch to watermelons

Prachinburi, 27 January 2016 (NNT) - Cool weather has allowed rice farmers in the northeastern province of Prachinburi to swap their crops for watermelons, providing a short term income boost amid the drought crisis.

Several farming households in Prachinburi province have replaced their rice crops, which were discontinued due to the water shortage, with the 188 strain of watermelon, which uses less water and thrives in the currently cool climate.

The fruits, which can be harvested in only 65 days, have proven to be resilient to pests as well as attractive to buyers due to their vibrant color.

Some farmers have collected 5-7 tons per Rai over the past season and have noted that the watermelons are relatively easy to farm compared to rice.


-- NNT 2016-01-27

How long will the cold season last?

How long will the cold season last?

That doesn't matter, all that matters is that they are growing them now.

Amazing they could switch from rice to watermelons during this cold snap.

Watermelons cost 25 baht for a quarter so it's good business i guess.

Twisting my melon man.

Amazing they could switch from rice to watermelons during this cold snap.

Amazing they could switch from rice to WATERmelons during this drought.

Amazing they could think this cold weather will last the 65 days needed to grow this strain of watermelon. So! What happens when their crops die next week or next month? More gov support?

Amazing article

As if the farmers rushed out on Monday, ploughed the fields , bought and planted the seeds

More likely like around here in Issan, has been planted over a month ago

Corn, peanuts and seems likes a lot of cassava.

and even sugar cane has been taking over the paddies

Around this area the water melons went in up to 6 weeks ago. Another BS story with little or no cred!

Amazing they could switch from rice to watermelons during this cold snap.

Perhaps both the rice and melons are plastic.

Looks like they forgot to tell the farmers planting behind my house this week ........

If they really wanted to do things right they would rotate the crops, instead of striping the soil with one continuous crop.

One of the crops should be industrial grade hemp, considering you get two grows a year and there are a wide variety of uses.

Yep, gf's family are trying out watermelons on the farm and now growing corn for the first time behind the house. Looking good. 'Diversifying the portfolio' can't be bad...

Peanuts are very expensive in Thailand and peanutbutter even more. Why do they need to import that while it can easy grow here?

Satay with peanutsauce is what tourists go for to Indonesia, just make it here and sell it to them.

Watermelons cost 25 baht for a quarter so it's good business i guess.

That is what you probably pay does not say the farmer get this price.

companies like top markets want to have at least 30% on top of there buying price.

so do the math and you see if it not so much the farmer gets.

....what sense does it make to remain idle anyway.....

...love watermelon....

How long will the cold season last?

Don't blink or u may miss it !

Here today , Gone to Maui !

You shoulda been here yesterday !

Take a pick ?

I do wish they would grow Artichokes up North , with this Cold Season lasting longer up there ?

Edited January 28, 201610 yr by TheWizardofRnR

Wow didn't know you could grow a watermelon in 5 days, time to quit my job and buy a Rai of land.

They can diversify when needs must, then.

Peanuts are very expensive in Thailand and peanutbutter even more. Why do they need to import that while it can easy grow here?

Satay with peanutsauce is what tourists go for to Indonesia, just make it here and sell it to them.

Well, unless they import the sauce, then presumably the peanut sauce served with satays in Thailand is made here.

A whopping Several households...out of millions. What a Huge shift in agriculture it is surely!

Watermelons cost 25 baht for a quarter so it's good business i guess.

That is what you probably pay does not say the farmer get this price.

companies like top markets want to have at least 30% on top of there buying price.

so do the math and you see if it not so much the farmer gets.

25 baht is the price on the markets here in BKK subs, guess Topsy will ask 35-40 for a quarter.

Farmers who sell out of their pickuptruck along the roads ask 25...they have yellow and red watermelons now.

Edited January 28, 201610 yr by Thian

Watermelons cost 25 baht for a quarter so it's good business i guess.

Hey Big C has some at 19 bht a kilo but when you produce truckloads i guess the farmers make some money

Wouldn't dream of paying more than 30 baht for a watermelon, usually about 20-25 for a whole one. Farmers probably get paid about 10 baht each.....

Farm gate price for watermelon varies but can ba as low as 4 baht each, sometimes even less. Same thing with pineapple

and warm weather produces a sweeter product vs cool. The farmer can cut costs via less water but he cant control price of produce