Shallot production system and extension needs of shallot production of farmers in Ban Kok subdistrict, Chatturat district, Chaiyaphum province

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to study 1) the basic information of shallot growers in Ban Kok subdistrict, Chatturat district, Chaiyaphum province 2) the shallot production system of farmers in Ban Kok subdistrict, and 3) the extension needs for shallot production of farmers in Ban Kok subdistrict. The data were collected by using an interview guide and in-depth interviews with 129 shallot growers in the 2022/23 production season. The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistic and content analysis. The results show that most farmers are women. Their average age is 58.58 years, and graduated from primary school. The main occupation is agriculture. The average number of family members was 3.94 people, with an average of 2.28 workers in the agricultural sector. The average of 14.5 years of experience in shallot cultivation. Farmers have an annual income of 360,881.40 baht.  The average income from growing shallots is 94,658.14 baht, accounting for 26.23 percent of total income. In the production of shallots, there are two seasons: the rainy season with an average yield of 1,700 kilograms per rai and the winter season with an average yield of 2,289 kilograms per rai. There are 2 ways to sell the shallot that is 1) dried bundle type which it can sell for 15 to 50 baht per kilogram, net income from this selling type is 34,787.34 to 39,118.68 baht per rai. 2) dried bundle and trimming type which can sell for 18 to 80 baht per kilogram, net income from this selling type is 42,455.49 to 78,747.68 baht per rai. Production problems are high cost of fertilizers, chemicals and biologicals. It is an increased cost for farmers. As a result, farmers need the government to support inputs or cheaper inputs' sources. Farmers also need knowledge in the use of fertilizers, chemicals and