Status and performance of irrigation in Thailand

After providing an overview of the historical development of irrigation in Thailand, the report examines the status and performance of irrigation projects in terms of area irrigated and rice produced. Different categories of state irrigation systems are set forth and irrigation projects carried out by local populations described. The regional distribution of irrigated lands is assessed and types of irrigation work by region are identified. Next, wet-season yields in irrigated and rainfed areas are compared. It is noted that while irrigated yields have surpassed rainfed yields, the gap between them has declined since 1968-69. The costs of constructing, operating, and maintaining large, medium, and small irrigation projects and land consolidation and ditches and dikes projects are then discussed. Finally, prospects for addressing the irrigation objectives of the Government of Thailand"s 1982-86 national development plan are assessed. It is concluded that rice yields are likely to increase as a result of expansions of both irrigated and rainfed areas. Twenty-two tables illustrate the text.