Extension Needs of Mango Production Accordance with Good Agricultural Practices of Farmers in Prachantakham District, Prachinburi Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study 1) social and economic conditions 2) mango production conditions 3) knowledge of mango production according to good agriculture practices 4) demand of support for mango production according to good agriculture practices and 5) problems and recommendations about mango production according to good agriculture practices of farmers. The population consisted of 238 mango farmers in Prachantakham District, Prachinburi Province who registered with the Department of Agriculture Extension in 2021/2022. The sample size was based on Taro Yamane formula with the margin of value of 0.05. With simple random method, the 150 samples were chosen. Interview forms were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution, percentage, mean, minimum, maximum, standard deviation and ranking. The results indicated that most of the farmers were male with average age of 54.74 year-old and graduated primary school. The average mango production experience was 15.26 years. The average mango production area 17.66 rai (2.8256 hectares). The average annual household income from mango production was 351,746 baht per year. The average household cost of mango production was 70,640 baht per year. The condition of mango production: the planting area was lowland. With sandy loam soil, using natural water from natural sources, useing chemicals for pest control and sorting the harvested fruits to ensure quality. Farmers were knowledgeable in mango production according to the standards of good agricultural practices of farmers at the highest level . Farmers need supports of the extension methods which include being visited and being educated in the fields. The farmers problems were the lack of staff to educate and visit the fields. The results suggested that the staffs should provide training in the area and regularly visit the farmers' mango fields