Study on operation of rice collaborative farm project: A case in Ku Suan Taeng Sub-district, Ban Mai Chaiyaphot District, Buri Ram Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research are to study 1) group management, 2) the operation, and 3) problems and recommendation of the rice collaborative farm project in Ku Suan Taeng Sub-district, Ban Mai Chaiyaphot District, Buriram Province. A mixed research method was used in the study consisting of collecting qualitative data by using semi-structured interviews and group discussions with farmers participating in the project, chairman and committee, government officials responsible for the project and non-participating farmers, and quantitative data were collected using structured- interviews to assess knowledge with participating farmers. Data were analyzed by using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. The research found that the project received funding, knowledge, agricultural machinery, and production inputs from many government agencies. This results in changes in farmer group management. The group has achieved 3 objectives out of 5 of the project by reducing production costs as compared to non-participating farmers (33.30%), increasing productivity (25.93%), having good quality seeds, having good group management by setting structured committee and assigned duties and adjusted group roles according to the situation, managing agricultural machinery to generate income and having skills of finance manage, resulting in having dividends from profit for members. However, the group failed in improving production quality; only 32% of members having certified organic standards from 50% target goal and having only 24% of member selling the rice at a contracted market with higher prices than the general market due to long distance. There is also a social network among members and community organizations. Farmers' knowledge after participating in the project is at a high level (average 5.44) and changing behaviors to reduce the use of chemicals, plowing stubble, and reducing stubble burning resulting in a better environment. However, the group faces the problem that the market is far and the presence of elderly members,