Knowledge needs for giant freshwater prawn farming of the Buaban Giant Freshwater Prawn Farmers Community Enterprise, Mueang District, Kalasin Province

Abstract

This research aimed to identify the need for giant freshwater prawn raising in the giant freshwater prawn raising farmer group in Kalasin Province. The samples were 49 members of a giant freshwater prawn-raising farmer community enterprise in Bua-Ban sub-district, Mueang district, Kalasin Province. Data was collected using interview forms. The collected data consists of 1) general data of farmers 2) giant freshwater prawn raising 3) opinion on the importance of knowledge in giant freshwater prawn raising, and 4) Opinion of farmers' knowledge in giant freshwater prawn raising. The data on giant freshwater prawn farming systems was analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Applying Borich's method to asses farmers' s knowledge needs in giant freshwater prawn raising. Most giant freshwater prawn-raising members are semi-extensive farms using a paddle wheel aerator, water quality monitoring, and commercial feed. Opinions on the importance of knowledge issues of giant freshwater prawn-raising are high (average 3.98). The top three important knowledge scores are 1) nursery management of giant freshwater prawns (average 4.45) 2) marketing and marketing channels (average 4.29) 3) pond preparation and water quality management (average 4.24). Opinions on their knowledge about giant freshwater prawn-raising are moderate (average 2.61). The top four knowledge scores are 1) utilization of microorganisms in giant freshwater prawn farming (average 3.00) 2) group management (average 2.96) 3) post-nursey stage to mature stage management of giant freshwater prawn (average 2.80) and 4) maintenance of tools and equipment used in giant freshwater prawn farming (average 2.80). Borich’s assessment model revealed that the farmers needed knowledge of the top three topics: 1) marketing and marketing channels 2) nursery management of giant freshwater prawns and 3) giant freshwater prawn product processing.