The Feasibility of Farmers Enhancing towards Organic Rice Farmers: A Case Study of Khao Ro Sub-district, Thung Song District Nakhon Sri Thammarat Province

Abstract

The objective of this research was to study fundamental information on economic and social elements, systems and inputs, possibilities and factors influencing the feasibility of raising the level of Med Fai rice farmers to become organic rice farmers in Khao Ro Subdistrict, Thung Song District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. Data were gathered through interviews with 21 Med Fai rice farmers. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. According to the findings, the majority of farmers (87.50%) were males with an average age of 51 years. Almost half of the farmers (47.60%) completed primary school. Almost everyone (90.50%) was married, with an average of 4.50 household members and 1.83 farming members. Farmers possessed an average of 7.13 rai of agricultural holdings. The average monthly income was 12,646.95 baht, and all farmers (100%) were members of agricultural institutes. It was found that farmers prepared the soil for the planting system by the plowing method. The rice was planted by cutting 3–5 seedlings per clump. Fertilizer formula 16-20-0 was employed by farmers. The disease discovered was dry leaf sheath, and the weeds found were rice grass. Farmers had chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and plowing as the main factors in production. In terms of the overall feasibility of raising farmers to become organic farmers, it was found that they were at the highest level (average 4.58) and that rice seed preparation played a vital role in raising farmers to become organic farmers. Age, education level, status of household labor members, agricultural holding area, and average monthly income were the primary elements determining the feasibility of raising farmers to be organic farmers. The lack of expertise and comprehension of the process of growing Med Fai rice was a challenge in upgrading farmers.