Improvement of conventional organic vegetable Production in Kalasin Province

Abstract

           Organic farming has been increasingly promoted in Southeast Asia as sustainable agricultural systems that enhance both environmental integrity and farmers’ livelihoods. The objectives aimed to identify production constraints in conventional organic vegetable farming and to evaluate the effects of improved practices on yield and economic returns among farmer group in Kaopranon Sub-district, Yangtalad District, Kalasin Province. Data were collected through group interviews with 32 farmers and on-farm experiments comparing conventional practices with recommended organic practices, including raised concrete plots, seeding trays, plastic houses, and foliar application of fermented fish bioextract fertilizer. The results showed that recommended practices increased leaves fresh weight by 100, 75, 67, 43 and 25% for morning glory, salad, Chinese green mustard, Chinese parsley and Chinese celery, respectively. Chinese parsley generated the highest annual net income of 759 USD per year. Thus, the integration of improved organic management practices can significantly enhance both productivity and farm income in conventional organic vegetable systems.

Key words: Organic vegetable practices; fermented fish bioextract fertilizer; Organic farming; Farm income