The Problems, Needs and Components for Developing a Smart Farming System for Precision Nile Tilapia Aquaculture in Coastal Area

Abstract

This research aimed 1) to study of problem statements and needs of smart farming system for precision Nile tilapia aquaculture in coastal area 2) to evaluation of appropriate components for developing a smart farming system for precision Nile tilapia aquaculture in coastal area. The sample group consisted of 5 Nile tilapia farmers in coastal area in Nakhon Si Thammarat province and 5 experts in the fields of smart farming and precision technology who selected purposive sampling. The research tools consisted of: (1) a questionnaire designed to assess the current situation, existing problems, and needs for the development of a smart farming system for precision Nile tilapia farming among coastal area; and (2) the evaluation of appropriate components of the smart farming system. The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics: percentage, average, standard deviation and Priority Needs Index. The results were as follows: 1) Mostly Nile farmers in coastal area most of respondents are female and between 50-59 years, received primary education, with at least 15 years of experience in fish farming, order Chitralada 4 Nile tilapia fingerlings from a private farm, Fish are raised in earthen ponds sized 1-3 rai, with a depth of 2 meters in 1-2 ponds and Nile tilapia production is caught for sale to middlemen twice a year. The needs of Nile tilapia farmers in coastal area are data collection (PNI modified = 0.454) diseases and prevention (PNI _modified = 0.414) and technology used in fish farming (PNI _modified = 0.380), since data collection is still insufficient for effective planning and monitoring, especially water quality data that directly impacts production. 2) The evaluation results of the appropriate components of the smart farming system by experts based on Guskey's model found that the appropriate components are the overall was at the highest level including: the utility 4.80±0.29, the congruity 4.80±0.27, the feasibility 4.73±0.37 and the propriety 4.67±0.48.In conclusion, the evaluated components are deemed appropriate for the development of a smart farming system aimed at enhancing the efficiency of precision Nile tilapia aquaculture in coastal area.