Factors affecting the farmers' need for organic vegetables promotion In the Maefaekmai Sub-District, Sansai District, Chaing Mai Province

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) Study socio-economic characteristics of farmers 2) Study the farmers' need for organic vegetables promotion 3) Study the factors affecting the farmers' need for organic vegetables and 4) Study the problems and suggestions the farmers' need for organic vegetables promotion in Maefaekmai Sub-District, Sansai District, Chaing Mai Province This quantitative study was consisted of 399 farmers in Maefaekmai Sub-District area as a sample group. Questionnaire for data collection. Obtained data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and multiple regressions analysis. 

From research findings, it was found that most of the informants were female, 54.36 years old on average, and elementary school graduates. They had 4 family members, most no family member of schooling age, and 3 household workforces on average. The informants had a household income for 7,636.59 Baht per month on average. They hold a household land area covering 4.08 rai on average. They had received agricultural information 19 times per month and contact agricultural extension workers once a month on average. They had participated of agricultural activities 1 times per month and village traditional activities twice a year on average. They had experience growing organic vegetables for 4 years on average and they had a high level benefit and most had a moderate level of knowledge and understanding about the Organic farming. Findings showed that the farmers in Maefaekmai Sub-District had a high level of need for extension of the Organic farming. Factor effecting of the need for extension of the organic vegetable growing of the farmer; education, contact agricultural extension worker and participated of agricultural activities of farmers.

Regarding problems encountered, the following were found: 1) farm land is less most of the area is for rent; 2) use chemicals more convenient; 3) lack of funding and factors in Organic farming; 4) lack of knowledge in Organic farm; and 5) Organization that promote lack of follow-up advice and the farmers suggest that the project should be publicized and see the benefits. Should be do sample Organic farming in community. Should support production factor to the farmers. Should have training about Organic farming and officer should follow up the work closely and continuously.