Adoption of precision agriculture technology of farmers in Phra Phutthabat district, Saraburi Province

Abstract

        Precision agricultural technology is considered as an alternative production factor to improve farming efficiency. Despite the various benefits, adoption rate of precision agriculture technology is still limited. The objectives of this research were 1) to investigate socio-economic and farm characteristics of farmers and 2) to study factors affecting the adoption of precision agriculture technology of farmers in Phra Phutthabat district, Saraburi Province. The survey data were obtained from 396 farmers by questionnaire. The binary logistic regression was applied to analyses the data and marginal effect. The results of the study found that the majority of farmers who reached the acceptance criteria for precision agricultural technology were average aged between 31-60 years (81.08 %), completed secondary education and higher (74.33 %), had higher average income and liabilities than farmers who under acceptance level. In term of farm characteristics, indicated that most farmers who reached acceptance level grown vegetables and cassava, had higher cultivating areas, more training experience and used farm irrigation systems. The statistically significant factors affecting the adoption of precision agricultural technology among farmers were age, education, using internet via smartphones, having farm irrigation system and numbers of attend meeting with farmer leaders. Therefore, the government or related agencies should prioritize the promotion of precision agriculture technology directly to farmers who use smartphones with having farm irrigation system. In addition, they should encourage farmers to attend more meeting with farmer leaders and enhance the perception and intention to use of precision agriculture technology that were important factors to increase opportunity to accept technology.