Guideline for Developing to Upgrade Farmers Producing Safe Agricultural Products to be Smart Farmers Based on the BCG Model

Abstract

This research aims to study the general information of farmers who produce safe agricultural products (SAPs), assess their knowledge and understanding of safe agricultural products, and develop strategies to elevate the SAPs farmers of the Ban Non Thong New Theory Agriculture Community Enterprise Group in Khok Takhian Subdistrict, Kab Choeng District, Surin Province, to become smart farmers based on the BCG model. A mixed research method between qualitative and quantitative research was used for data collection. The qualitative research intruments were reasearchers and research assistants, structured interviews, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussion techniques. For quantitative research, a knowledge test was examined before and after knowledge transfer sessions as a means of assessment. The participants included 20 selected members from the Ban Non Thong New Theory Agriculture Community Enterprise Group, chosen through purposive sampling. The focus group consisted of 13 representatives from the community enterprise group, 1 representative from the Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Industry at Surindra Rajabhat University, 1 reprentative from the Kab Choeng District Agricultural Office, and the 5 researchers.

The research findings revealed that farmers producing SAPs had insufficient knowledge and understanding to implement safe agricultural practices correctly according to the GAP standards set by the Department of Agriculture. Additionally, 19 farmers were identified as lacking the characteristics of smart farmers, thus being classified as Developing Smart Farmers group, while only one farmer met the criteria of a smart farmer (Existing Smart Farmer). Development approach for upgrading these farmers include providing necessary and relevant ongoing knowledge related to their current agricultural practices, educating them on accessing essential information sources for decision-making, fostering network creation between farmers and markets at all levels, promoting continuous knowledge and support for obtaining various agricultural production certifications, offering additional training on reducing chemical fertilizer usage and adopting biotechnological pest management, promoting awareness of the importance of transitioning to smart agriculture, and providing guidance on adding value to SAPs and promoting sales channels, especially for farmers with annual household incomes below 180,000 Baht.