Factors Influencing the Efficiency of Organic Tea Production Among Farmers: A Case Study in Mae Suai District, Chiang Rai Province.
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Abstract
This research aimed to investigate the factors influencing the production efficiency of organic tea among farmers in Mae Suai District, Chiang Rai Province, an area with high potential for tea production. The study surveyed 115 tea farmers. The findings revealed that the majority of farmers were male (60%), over 50 years old (64.35%), and had 21 to 30 years of tea cultivation experience (54.78%). Most farmers had completed high school or held a vocational certificate (53.91%), had an annual household income between 150,001 and 200,000 Thai Baht (57.38%), and owned 11 to 20 rai of agricultural land (over 80%). Additionally, most farmers had previously contacted agricultural extension officers, participated in organic standard training (93.04%), and possessed a high level of knowledge regarding organic tea production practices (56.52%). Logistic regression analysis indicated that significant factors positively influencing organic tea production efficiency included tea cultivation experience, participation in training, and knowledge of organic farming. Conversely, larger farm sizes tended to reduce organic tea production efficiency. The study recommends continuously promoting organic farming knowledge and training, considering strategies for managing large areas for organic tea production, and encouraging knowledge exchange among farmers.
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