Process and Conditions for Success in Farmer Development as Smart Farmers in Nakhon Pathom Province

Abstract

The objective of this research was to examine the process and conditions for success in farmer development to become smart farmers in Nakhon Pathom province. A qualitative research method was employed using an in-depth interview. Twelve key informants, which included model smart farmers in Nakhon Pathom province who registered with the Nakhon Pathom Provincial Agricultural Extension Office, officials of the Nakhon Pathom Provincial Agricultural Extension Office, and academics involved in smart farmers program. Instrumentation used for this study involved a semi-structured interview form and a documentary study for a content analysis to construct a grounded theory. Research results were reported in descriptive presentation and descriptive analysis. Results showed that smart farmers development process in Nakhon Pathom province involved: 1) cost-effective usage of production factors; 2) production on demands by planning prior to producing products: 3) efficient management; and 4) various marketing management with supporting multi-level markets. Criteria for success in smart farmer development comprised: 1) appropriate use of innovation and technology; 2) knowledge management with goals; 3) pride as farmer resulting in love and cherish; 4) good entrepreneurship by creating new products to meet the demands of consumers and the market; and 5) support from internal and external agencies.