The Effect of Rainmaking Service on Maize, Cassava and Sugarcane Yields in Lamtakhong River Basin, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand
Nongnooch Poramacom

Abstract
The aim of the research was to analyze the cost of rainmaking services on maize, cassava and sugarcane in the Lamtakhong River Basin in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. The results will assist the Bureau of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation to decrease rainmaking service expenditure and increase the effectiveness of the service in the future. Data were collected on costs and returns of maize, cassava and sugarcane grown in the 2006/2007 crop year in Sungnun district. Data were collected through interviews with 30 maize, 30 cassava and 30 sugarcane farmers receiving rainmaking services and with the same number of both types of farmers not receiving rainmaking services. Regression analysis and t-test analysis were then made. The results showed that rainmaking expenditure can be reduced by conducting rainmaking operations only from March to October. The quantity of rainfall affected statistically the maize yields.

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