Opinions of rice farmer toward organic rice production in Bang Nam Priao District, Chachoengsao Province

Abstract

The objective of this research is to study factors affecting opinions of rice farmers towards organic rice production in Bang Nam Priao District, Chachoengsao Province. The sample group consists of 383 rice farming households, calculated using the Taro Yamane formula with a sampling error of 0.05. Data for the research were collected through interview schedules and analyzed using descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression hypothesis testing. The result showed that most of the farmers were male with an average age of 58.46 years. Graduated from Primary education. They had 29.60 years of experience in rice farming, and an average rice cultivation area of 25.06 rai. In the 2023/24 rice cultivation season, farmers had an average income from rice farming of 195,236.29 baht per household, and an average expenditure of 103,779.37 baht per household. Most farmers are members of agricultural groups or organizations, but they do not receive information about organic rice production, and have not received training in organic rice production. The overall level of farmers' opinions regarding organic rice production was high (mean 3.95). The hypothesis testing results revealed that education level, exposure to information through online and personal media, had a statistically significant positive correlation with the opinion level of rice farmers towards organic rice production at the 0.01 level. The research recommendations include 1) There should be continuous promotion of understanding of organic rice production to farmers, with an emphasis on practical training workshops and the establishment of demonstration plots. 2) Increase the dissemination and sharing of knowledge or examples of organic rice production through personal media and online media and 3) Relevant organizations, such as the Rice Research Center and District Agricultural Office, should continuously provide farmers with information about the production and marketing of organic rice products. This will ensure that farmers receive the