Extension Guidelines for Pineapple cv. Pattavia Production According to Good Agricultural Practices of Collaborative Farming Farmers Groups in Nongkhai Province

Abstract

     This research aimed to (1) examine the personal, social, and economic characteristics of large-scale pineapple farmers (2) study the production of Pattavia pineapple in accordance with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for pineapple among large-scale farmers (3) investigate the extension needs for Pattavia pineapple production based on Good Agricultural Practices among large-scale farmers (4) identify the problems encountered in Pattavia pineapple production under Good Agricultural Practices among large-scale farmers; and (5) propose extension guidelines for Pattavia pineapple production in accordance with Good Agricultural Practices among large-scale farmers. The population consisted of 123 large-scale Pattavia pineapple farmers in Si Chiang Mai district and Rattanawapi district, Nong Khai province, in 2024. Data was collected from the entire population using an interview schedule. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation.

     The results showed that the majority of respondents were female, with an average age of 54.86 years, and had completed primary education. On average, the cultivated area was 6.54 rai, and farmers mainly utilized personal capital, and possessed 10.02 years of production experience. While farmers attended an average of 3.29 training sessions. The average production cost was 37,433 baht per rai, and the average yield was 4,530.89 kilograms per rai. Farmers earned an average annual income of 501,658.54 baht, with most produce sold through middlemen. Overall, the level of compliance with GAP standards was found to be very high. In terms of extension needs, farmers expressed a high level of demand, particularly for knowledge related to looking after the crop, maintenance, and disease management of pineapple cv. Pattavia. Extension support from government officers was preferred, and practical, hands-on training was considered the most suitable method. Production problems were generally perceived at a moderate level; However, issues related to processing and marketing were more prominent. These included limited experience in processing, high costs, and the lack of hygienic processing facilities. Overall, farmers showed strong agreement with the extension guidelines for pineapple cv. Pattavia production according to GAP standards. Short-term training, study visits, and support for production inputs and providing necessary material support to farmers were considered the most appropriate approaches.