Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1994.

A thesis submitted in prutial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science, School of Civil Engineering

One of the most highlighted objectives of Agricultural Development at present is to change cropping pattern from mono-culture of rice to diversified faiming system. Land Consolidation Project is one measure for agricultural development in this context. The present study focused the effect of land consolidation on faiming system diversification. The primary data was collected in the intensive and extensive type of land consolidation ai·ea of Don Chedi Land Consolidation Project and neai·by ai·ea in the non consolidated ai·ea, Suphanburi, Thailand. A project map, field layout maps, soil map, land use map and ae1ial photographs were available. Field orientation and aedal photo interpretation to identify land use and cropping patterns before and after project implementation followed by intensive field survey through the interview with faimers to investigate on-fai·m infrastmcture development, on-fai·m water management, labor requirement and cultivation methods. The present study revealed that the land consolidation project improved transportation, inigation and drainage conditions and, most imp01tantly, promoted faiming system diversification in both intensive and extensive types. The disadvantages of the land consolidation project to the faimers ai·e, however, identified to be the reduction in fai·m size which is 7% and 0 to 10% in case of the intensive and extensive types, respectively, and the contribution to the project cost. The intensive type of land consolidation achieved more equal inigation water distiibution and promoted faiming system diversification including aqua culture, while the combination of rice, upland crops and fmit cultivation ai·e popular in the extensive type due to not unifo1m iiTigation water disti·ibution.