Need for the Use of a 4-Row Vegetable Planting Vehicles Innovation for Shallot Cultivation among Farmers in Tha Din Dam Subdistrict, Chai Badan District, Lopburi Province

Abstract

This research aimed to study 1) personal, economic, and social factors 2) farmers’ opinions on the key characteristics of the 4-row vegetable planting vehicle innovation and 3) needs for the 4-row vegetable planting vehicle innovation in shallot cultivation among farmers in Tha Din Dam Subdistrict, Chai Badan District, Lopburi Province. The sample group consisted of 147 farmers selected through a random sampling. An interview form was used as the data collection tool. The statistics used included frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and chi-square. The research findings revealed that the majority of farmers were female with an average age of 57.65 years. Most had completed primary education. The average size of agricultural area was 26.46 rai, with an average of 2.78 laborers per household and an average annual income from farming of 216,918.37 baht. The most agreed-upon key characteristics of the 4-row vegetable planting vehicle were 1) reduces root damage in plants 2) operates faster compared to manual labor, and 3) provides accuracy in planting. Farmers had a moderate level of need for the 4-row planting vehicle innovation. Perceived usefulness was rated high, while perceived ease of use was rated moderate. The hypothesis testing showed that age, farm size, number of laborers, and farming income were significantly related to the need for the 4-row vegetable planting vehicle for shallot cultivation at P<.01, while gender was significant at P<.05. The results of this study can be applied in planning and promoting the utility of the 4-row vegetable planting vehicle and other innovations to enhance the productivity of shallots, which are an important economic crop.