Factors Influencing Needs to Produce Sweet Corn of Farmers in Bangkrathum District, Phitsanulok Province

Abstract

     This research aimed to study the factors Influencing needs to produce sweet corn of farmers. The study population consisted of 246 sweet corn farmers in Bang Krathum district, Phitsanulok province, who were registered with the Department of Agricultural Extension based on their farm locations in 2024. The sample group was determined by using Yamane’s formula with a margin of error of 0.05, resulting in a sample size of 153 individuals selected through simple random sampling until the desired number was reached. The research findings revealed that farmers had an average age of 54.95 years. The average farming experience in growing sweet corn was 10.28 years, with an average cultivation area of 9.78 rai. On average, farmers attended 1.27 training times/year, used an average of 4.06 laborers, earned an average income of 185,386.50 baht/year, and the average production cost of 88,839.12 baht/year. The overall needs for production were at a high level. In terms of production processes, farmers were the highest needs in two main areas: pest and disease management, and fertilizer and nutrient management. Regarding production inputs, the significant needs among farmers was for standardized sweet corn production systems. As for agricultural extension methods, farmers prefer group-based approaches such as study visits and demonstration plots. Factors that significantly influence production needs at the 0.05 statistical significance level include the number of laborers used in production, which has a positive effect. In contrast, age and experience in sweet corn cultivation have a negative effect on production needs.