Management of Rice Stubble and Straw of Farmers in Project of Extension for Stop Burning at Agri–Area in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study 1) basic personal characteristics, 2) perception on impacts of rice stubble and straw burning, 3) knowledge of rice stubble and straw management, and 4) management of rice stubble and straw of 160 farmers in the Project of Extension for Stop Burning at Agri-Area in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. Data were collected using an interview schedule between February and March 2021. The statistical analysis was carried out by frequency, percentage, minimum, maximum, and mean. The result revealed that most of the farmers were male (63.8%), had an average age of 57.1 years old, graduated from elementary school (48.7%), had an average household member of 4 persons, had an average paddy field area of 33.7 rai, and hold the land by lease (56.9%). Most farmers highly perceived about impacts of rice stubble and straw burning (96.2%) and had a high level of knowledge of rice stubble and straw management (79.4%) with an average score of 9.5 points out of 12 points. Most farmers (98.1%) managed the rice stubble and straw at a low level, and only a small portion of them (1.9%) managed the rice stubble and straw at a high level. All farmers managed their rice straws by making the briquette. Moreover, it was found that most farmers, although they had a different gender, age, education level, number of household members, paddy field area, land tenure, perception on impacts of rice stubble and straw burning, and knowledge of rice stubble and straw management, handled their rice stubble and straw at a low level as well. Farmers encountered the problems of rice stubble and straw management as follows: water shortage, lack of agricultural machinery, and lack of government support. Therefore, the government should manage enough water for farming, support machinery, and transfer knowledge of rice stubble and straw management to the farmers.