Farmer practices affecting the quantity contamination of mixed rice varieties in the RD6 rice seed production in Mueang Khon Kaen District, Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

This study aimed to study farmer practices that affect the contamination of mixed rice varieties in the production of RD6 rice seeds. The sample group consisted of 92 farmers in the RD6 rice seed productions group registered with the Rice Department in 2023 in Mueang Khon Kaen District, Khon Kaen Province. An interview was used as the data collection tool. Descriptive statistics were applied to explain basic social and economic data and rice seed production management practices. The study found that most respondents were female (52.20 %) and had an average of 15 years of experience in rice seed production. On average, respondents managed a rice seed production area of 2 hectares, with most (97.80 %) harvesting rice using combined harvesters. As for studying the relationship between rice seed production management factors and the amount of mixed other rice varieties, a multiple regression was used with the normal method. It was found that identified 4 key factors that contributed to the presence of mixed rice varieties: soil preparation, inspection and removal of mixed varieties, harvesting, and post-harvest management. From the study, it was found that this factor comes from the fact that farmers frequently change rice varieties. There is a large amount of land for seed production and there is little household labor.  As a result, inspection of mixed varieties in rice seed production plots was not timely. Farmers and related agencies should adjust the amount of rice seed production area to suit the labor and use technology to detect and cut mixed varieties in rice seed production fields. In order to get the highest quality rice seeds.