Research Article | Open Access
APPROPRIATE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM MANAGEMENT APPROACH IN THE AREA OF LAND READJUSTMENT AND IRRIGATION FOR AGRICULTURE, THAILAND
Ponsaran Saranrom , Sineenuch Khrutmuang Sanserm , Siros Thongchure , Wattanai Onsumrarn , Benchamas Yooprasert , Bumpen Keowan , Sujja Banchongsiri
Pages: 1637-1647
Abstract
The purposes were to study 1) context of farmer's agricultural system management 2) appropriate
alternative farming systems, and 3) appropriate agricultural system management approach. The populations
were 1) 348, 595, and 567 farmers participated in the land readjustment and irrigation for agriculture project in
Chainat, Kalasin, and Phatthalung Provinces, respectively. The samples were determined using Taro Yamane's
formula at an error level of 0.1, resulting in a sample of 78, 86, and 85 people, respectively. The simple random
sampling was used. Data were collected using an interview form and analyzed using descriptive statistics in the
context of farmer's agricultural management. 2) Key informants on appropriate alternative farming systems and
appropriate agricultural system management approach consisted of 50 farmers, entrepreneurs, agricultural
extension scholars. The purposive sampling was used. Data was collected using focus group and analyzed by
content analysis.
The results showed that 1) all farmers managed their agriculture with rice mono-cropping system. The farmers
in Chainat and Kalasin province had a loss from rice farming in the amount of 1,326.77 and 256.51 baht per rai
respectively whereas the farmers in Phatthalung province earned a profit of 1,160.76 baht per rai. 2) Overall, the
appropriate alternative farming systems could be divided into 4 systems: (1) rice mono-cropping system (2) ricebean rotation system. (3) rice production system in combination with other agricultural activities, and (4)
integrated farming system. 3) Overall, the appropriate agricultural system management approach found that (1)
Upstream - fertilizer application based on the value of soil analysis, cost reduction by mixing self-use fertilizers,
reducing the rate of seed use, use of biologics, and integrated pest management. (2) Midstream - production of
agricultural products to standards under the collaborative farm system. (3) Downstream - product price
guarantee, pre-sale of goods, direct sales of goods, and online marketing promotion.
Keywords
agricultural system management approach, alternative farming systems, land readjustment, supply chain