Extension Needs on Integrated Pest Management in Oil Palm for Farmers in Khao Phanom District, Krabi Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study (1) the social and economic conditions, (2) the extension needs for integrated pest management (IPM) on oil palm, and (3) the problems and suggestions related to the extension of integrated pest management on oil palm. The population consisted of 360 oil palm farmers in Khao Phanom District, Krabi Province, who were registered with the Department of Agricultural Extension for the production year 2022. The sample size of 190 was calculated using the Taro Yamane formula with an error value of 0.05. Structured interviews were used for data collection. The statistics used were frequency, percentage, mean, minimum, maximum, and standard deviation. The results indicated the following: 1) Most of the farmers were male, with an average age of 48.75 years old. They had completed elementary school education. The average oil palm plantation experience was 10.27 years, and the average plantation area was 21.94 rai. The land was owned by the farmers themselves. On average, there were three agricultural laborers. The average yield of oil palm in the previous year was 2.90 tons/rai/year. The average income from oil palm production over the past year was 474,002.63 baht/year, and the average cost of oil palm production in the past year was 151,485.89 baht/year. 2) Farmers expressed a need for further knowledge about integrated pest management, particularly in academic and practical aspects related to fertilizing and watering. They also indicated a desire for more support in developing extension group methods, such as organizing groups and conducting practical training. 3) Problems related to the extension of integrated pest management included issues with funding support and the introduction of new technologies and innovations. Suggestions included that government agencies should provide support for new technology and innovations, as well as assist with funding sources.