Vegetable production under the organic farming standards of Thong Mung Organic Agricultural Cooperative’s Members in Xaythany District, Vientiane Capital, Laos People’s Democratic Republic

Abstract

This study aims to investigate: 1) the basic personal, economic, and social characteristics of members of the Thung Mang Organic Agricultural Cooperative, 2) the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and vegetable production under organic agricultural standards of the Thung Mang Organic Agricultural Cooperative, 3) factors affecting vegetable production of the Thung Mang Organic Agricultural Cooperative, and 4) problems and suggestions for vegetable production in Chaiyathani District, Vientiane Capital, Lao People's Democratic Republic. Data were collected through interviews with a sample of 114 respondents and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The results indicate that 60.5% of the farmers are female, with an average age of 46.6 years. About 32.5% have completed primary education. The farmers cultivate organic vegetables on an average area of 2.56 rai, with 85.1% engaged in agricultural occupations. The average household income is 114,035.09 Baht per year, and they have an average of 4.80 years of experience in organic vegetable farming. Furthermore, they receive agricultural information an average of 2.44 times per month, participate in training sessions an average of 3.41 times per year, and contact agricultural officials an average of 3.96 times per year. The knowledge level regarding organic agricultural standards is moderate (  = 13.77), while attitudes toward organic agricultural standards are positive (  = 4.02), and the level of vegetable production is also positive (  = 4.12). Factors significantly positively correlated with vegetable production at the 0.01 level include contact with organic agriculture officials and attitudes toward organic agricultural standards. The problems frequently encountered by farmers are related to pest and disease control, as well as shortages of production factors and market access. Farmers suggest ongoing training on pest and disease management, support for organic seed funding, organic fertilizer production, and stable market allocation to enhance the efficiency of organic vegetable production.