EXTENSION GUIDELINE OF ORGANIC RICE PRODUCTION OF FARMERS IN BORABUE DISTRICT, MAHASARAKHAM PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study 1) knowledge and practices according to farmer group standards for the organic rice production system 2) problems and suggestions regarding organic rice production 3) needs of farmers and extension guidelines regarding organic rice production. 171 organic rice producers in the Borabue district of Mahasarakham province in 2021/22 were the study’s population. The sample size of 120 people was determined by using the Taro Yamane formula with an error value of 0.05 and a simple random sampling method. Data were collected by conducting interview and focus group. Frequency, percentage, minimum value, maximum value, mean, standard deviation, ranking, and content analysis were evaluated for statistical analysis. The results found that 1) Farmers had knowledge regarding the production process lower than 60% on the definition of organic rice, the area used for the production of organic rice and the fertilizer application. They practiced in organic rice production lower than 85% on soil analysis in the planting plots. 2) The problems in organic rice production such as data recording and collection and soil and fertilizer management. 3) The extension guidelines regarding organic rice production were such as (1) creating information perception and publicizing organic rice knowledge; (2) promoting compost and microbial pesticide production; (3) encouraging the production of organic Hom Mali rice seeds; (4) following up and evaluating the results of the extension of organic rice production for standard certification.