Evaluation of Readiness Towards Smart Farming of Rice Growers in Pathum Thani Province
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Abstract
Background and Objectives: The objective of this research is to investigate and compare the readiness for smart agriculture among rice farmers in Pathum Thani province, aiming to enhance the efficiency of rice production through the application of Smart Farming Technology in the rice fields. The study focusses on a pilot area that serves as a prototype for the Rice Department, involving a total of 1,556 farmers. A simple random sampling method was used to select a sample group, consisting of 319 rice farmers who are members of the large-scale rice field group in Pathum Thani province.
Methodology: Data were collected using a questionnaire. The statistics used for analysis were frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t–test, and F–test.
Main Results: Most of the farmers were male, with an average age of 51.97 years, and had completed secondary school or an equivalent level of education. The average income from rice cultivation was 212,648.90 baht per year, and the average experience of rice farmers was 16.48 years. Most farmers were members of the large-scale rice field group, with an average total rice cultivation area of 24.67 rai, utilizing both leased and owned land. Furthermore, agricultural technology was employed in rice cultivation, encompassing the use of machinery for planting and post-harvest management, along with the application of fertilizers based on soil analysis. The predominant rice variety grown by farmers was Pathum Thani 1. Rice cultivation in the region occurred throughout the year using the wet direct seeding method. The overall readiness for smart agriculture in all aspects was found to be at a moderate level (Mean = 2.71).
Conclusions: Hypothesis testing revealed that farmers with distinct personal fundamentals and varying farming conditions exhibited divergent levels of readiness for smart farming at a statistically significant level of 0.05 and 0.01. Consequently, the government should consider allocating budgetary support for modern technology to reduce costs and enhance productivity for farmers in the future.
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