Factors Affecting Farmers' Knowledge of ‘Prachin’ Durian Production in Prachin Buri Province

Abstract

     The objectives of this research were to study: 1) Personal of, economics of, social factors of, and attitudes of farmers producing ‘Prachin’ durian; 2) knowledge of durian production in Prachin Buri among farmers; 3) factors related to the knowledge of durian production of farmers; 4) Study the problems and obstacles faced by farmers producing durian in Prachin Buri. The population used in the research consists of durian farmers in Prachin Buri province who have registered as durians with the Prachin Buri Provincial Agricultural Extension Office across 5 districts, totaling 1,092 registered farmers in 2023. The sample size was 293 individuals, with data collected using questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and path analysis. Most durian farmers in Prachin Buri are male, 41 years old on average, have a high school education and 13.66 years of experience. They cultivate an average of 5.64 rai and have a yield of 1,223.43 kg/rai at 215.77 baht/kg, which is equivalent to an annual income of 1,406,856.35 baht. Most (94.6%) have received training and are members of an organization (94.9%). Farmers showed a positive attitude towards durian Prachin production (mean: 4.41) and had moderate knowledge about ‘Prachin’ durian production. The key factors influencing knowledge at 0.01 level of significance include: attitude, education, training, yield per rai, access to information and membership in an organization. In terms of challenges in durian cultivation, the main issues were environmental conditions and water resources. Due to ongoing global climate change, environmental instability and water scarcity have negatively impacted durian cultivation, and most farmers lack the ability to effectively plan or adapt to these conditions.