Extension Needs for Hom Thong Banana Production of Farmers in Nong Suea District, Pathum Thani Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study (1) social and economic conditions, (2) the conditions of Hom Thong banana production, (3) extension needs of Hom Thong banana production, (4) problems and suggestions to extension of Hom thong banana production. The population consisted of 255 Hom Thong banana farmers in Nong Suea District, Pathum Thani Province who registered with the Department of Agricultural Extension in the production year of 2021. The 156 - sample size was based on Taro Yamane formula with the error value of 0.05. Structured interviews were used for data collection. Statistics used were frequency, percentage, mean, minimum, maximum, standard deviation and ranking. The results indicated that most of the farmers were male with average age of 53.74 years old. The average Hom Thong banana production experience was 11.46 years. The average Hom Thong banana plantation area was 43.88 rai. The average annual household income from Hom Thong banana production was 43,680.77 bath per year. The average household cost from Hom Thong banana production was 32,612.18 bath per year. The conditions of Hom Thong banana production: the planting area is a garden furrow, the soil condition is clay, using irrigation water sources, use chemical for pest control. The produce is harvested at the age of 8 - 10 months. Farmers have a need for academic content extension of soil improvement and group method extension: set up a demonstration plot for producing quality Hom Thong banana to be used as a learning plot. Farmers have problems with expensive chemical fertilizers, chemicals and production factors. The suggestion is Officials should follow up and visit farmers in the area continuously. Training to educate farmers of Planting a windbreak. Government agencies should provide assistance to farmers in reducing production costs