Biotechnology and community development for food production : a case study, Rhizobium inoculant production in Thailand, applied to tropical soybean production for food

This report discusses a project planned for small-scale Rhizobium inoculant production in Thailand, applied to tropical soybean production for food and conducted as a collaborative effort between Appropriate Technology International (ATI) and the SVITA Foundation. After briefly reviewing ATI, the development of inoculant technology, and economic/commercial outlooks for the technology in the Thai setting, the report discusses project plans for market development, technology adaptation and testing, and commercial small-scale production and distribution systems. Expected outputs include increases in soybean farmers" income and productivity, nitrogen enrichment of soil, and farmer control of critical farm inputs; development of a national strategy for Rhizobium dissemination; and, in the long term, lower imports of nitrogen fertilizers and soybeans, and increased employment. (Author abstract, modified)