3.5.6. Cropping System Pattern

Farmers using a double cropping system preferred support for water system measures, followed by cash incentives and assistance for cost reduction measures. This was because although the farmers' way of making a living in Thailand was based on rice cultivation, these farmers had limited water sources, so they selected crop rotation, which requires less water during the dry season. This could also reduce the cost of water managemen<sup>t</sup> for agricultural activities. Among farmers using a triple cropping system, assistance for cost reduction measures was the first priority as it reduces the costs of seeds and soil property analysis.

The outstanding point was that cash incentives can be appropriate for low-income farmers or small land owners, who have fewer opportunities to increase their income and need more assistance. These farmers obviously considered subsidies are the priority. Besides, small land owners also placed emphasis on developing their land to be more appropriate for agricultural activities, as their main income relies on their land. On the other hand, high-income farmers and large land owners were aware of other alternatives to increase their income, whether from rice grain or crop rotation. Farmers with medium incomes or medium land owners were more concerned about water system development for agricultural activities than the other groups, because having enough water could lead to greater income and increased crop production efficiency [66]. For farmers with high liabilities, subsidies were of greater concern than for farmers with low or medium liabilities due to their direct and immediate effect on income.
