the Symposium on Wheats for More Tropical Environments - cimmyt

Many farmers are now exploring <strong>the</strong>possibillty of growing wheat, mainly asa result of its promotion as a cereal forhome consumption ("local use") by <strong>the</strong>Department of Agriculture ExtensionService. Agronomic recommendationswill be verified on small-scale plantings.O<strong>the</strong>r areas receiving attention in <strong>the</strong>overall program are plant protection,provisions for seed production andstorage facillties, economic andmarketing issues and <strong>the</strong> training oftechnicians and farmers in wheatproduction techniques.SummaryThailand's increasing consumption ofwheat (12% annually) will bring abouta huge trade deficit in <strong>the</strong> future.Wheat is currently being grown in asmall area in <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rn provinces.but most farmers are unaccustomed towheat production and utilization. Arenewed wheat program with CIMMYTsupport is being launched for farmers,and advances are being made inselection for high-yielding varieties. Dueto <strong>the</strong> lack of a marketing system, <strong>the</strong>crop is initially being introduced forhome consumption through small localmarkets...