Influential factors for the decision to participate in a rice-pledging scheme: evidence from jasmine rice farmers in north-east Thailand

This study analyses influential factors affecting the decision to participate in a rice-pledging scheme among jasmine rice farmers in north-east Thailand, binomial logistic regression was applied. The results revealed that most of the famers who participated in this scheme were large-scale farmers who grew jasmine rice in rain-fed areas. The cost of rice drying, ownership of a rice barn, location, number of household labourers, farm size, and production patterns had a positive effect on decision-making to participate in the scheme, with statistical significance. Participation of farmers was not based on economic factors or income, but on other factors, particularly labour force and ownership of a rice barn. As a result, measures for farmer rice barn development and promotion were necessary. Household labourers were necessary for the storing process, so development of technologies and innovations for rice drying to reduce humidity would help achieve the goal of this scheme.