Agricultural extension guideline after land development in unsuitable area for rice farming, Chorakhe Mak subdistrict, Prakhon Chai district, Buri Ram province

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to investigate the agricultural extension guidelines after land development in unsuitable areas for rice farming in Chorakhe Mak subdistrict, Prakhon Chai district, Buri Ram province. The research population included 20 farmers who participated in the land development project to change production in unsuitable areas for rice at Chorakhe Mak Subdistrict in 2021. The study is qualitative research and was conducted between December 2020 and October 2022, using interviews and brainstorming. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. The results of the study showed that the farmers had an average age of 53.20 years, with 40% of them having graduated from secondary school. On average, there were 2.05 agricultural workers and 28.75 rai of agricultural land. Most of the land had a slope of 0-2% and relied mainly on rainwater for agriculture. The land was used for rice growing, with an average of 20.95 rai. The average income from growing rice was 57,870.00 baht per year. The farmers had demands for construction format, with ponds and water channels in the farmland being the main requirement to store and distribute water in the area. They also wanted to increase the area for growing plants along the earthen dyke. The farmers' expectations after the farmland were modified to the chosen design were divided into three things: (1) food security, (2) occupation and income security, and (3) an inheritance for children and grandchildren. Agricultural extension and development guidelines for farmers were divided into three things: (1) developing farm infrastructure such as electricity and roads connecting to agricultural areas, (2) promoting funding sources for agriculture, and (3) developing knowledge about agriculture and marketing.