Stengthening process of organic rice farmer groups in Chun District, Phayao Province

Abstract

The research has an important objective to Propose the process of strengthening the organic rice farmers group in Chun District, Phayao Province by using a mixed research process (Mixed methods) The study was conducted at two levels as follows: (1) Membership level is farmers who are members of the organic rice farmers group in Chun District, Phayao Province. 11 groups of 252 members using quantitative research.Criteria for assessing the potential of community enterprise groups of the Department of Agricultural Extension to be applied to divide farmers into 2 groups, namely 3 strong farmers and 8 weak farmers. The researcher calculated the sample size using Taro Yamane 's formula, the tolerance was 0.01, which resulted in the sample size from 84 strong farmers and 107 weak farmers. respectively, the tools used collect basic characteristics Some basic personal, economic, and social characteristics of farmers were interview form with a confidence value of 0. 99. and compare the members' opinions on the operational potential of their own groups by testing the hypothesis with statistical t-test. The results of the research found that farmers in the strong group had an average of 12.69 years of organic rice cultivation in the 2019/2020 crop year. Average yield 524. 56 kg per rai The average net income per rai is 7, 037. 83 baht and most farmers are certified organic farming standards up to 94 %. 05 for farmers In the non-strong group, it was found that farmers had an average of 6. 87 years of organic rice cultivation in the 2019/2020 crop year. Average yield 480. 36 kg per rai Average net income per rai 4,177. 83 baht and certified by agricultural standards only 20 percent organic. 56. Growing organic rice, it was found that farmers in both groups had different opinions on their operational potential. 7 areas: Leadership and Management Implementation plan marketing management Knowledge and Information Management member administration product management and operational results statistically significant at the level 0.05 (2) Organizational level (farmer groups) using qualitative research Qualitative Research, including Focus Group Discussion and in - depth interviews with staff involved with local farmer groups. using analysis SWOT Analysis according to the framework of 7s McKinsey Strategy to analyze internal factors (Internal Factors) and use PESTEL Analysis principle to analyze external factors (External Factors) to do Content Analysis to link with other concepts, theories and research. In this regard, to propose an appropriate process of strengthening the organic rice farmers group in Chun District, Phayao Province. The results showed that the farmers in both groups had different factors within the group. including strengths, found that farmers in strong groups There is a new generation of group leaders. There is a clear management structure. The product is certified organic rice standard. and using market-leading production strategies While farmers in the weak group did not find the strengths of the group, the weak points showed that the farmers in the strong groups cannot proceed as planned. due to natural disasters and members do not have specific knowledge and expertise (mechanical) while the farmers are not strong There is no planning, operation, different members produce, resulting in some members still not passed. The certification of organic rice standards and the committees mostly lacked knowledge of group management. However, farmers in both groups had The same external factors are as follows: Opportunity found that Phayao Province has set a strategy for Chun District to be the source of organic rice production for export and that the demand for organic rice of both domestic and foreign consumers tends to increase continuously and the limitation is the policy to promote organic rice. The government sector is unclear and continuous. It was also found that problems in the occupation Both groups of farmers faced the same problem: the economic problem (shortage of labor), while the physical problem. (Water shortage) and social (networking) problems faced by strong farmers at moderate levels, while those in weak groups faced. such problems to a large extent Therefore, suggestions on the process of strengthening the group of organic rice farmers in Chun District, Phayao Province will consist of the following issues: (1) Leadership and Management The group leader should be a new generation with knowledge and opportunity for group members to participate. Group management in every step (2) in planning, operations Farmers groups should have group meetings and implement planned activities, as well as coordinate with relevant government agencies in the area on an ongoing basis. (3) Marketing management. Farmers should use the principle “Production Leading Marke”. involved in the area Consultation and advice should be continued (4) on knowledge and information management. Farmers' groups should hold group meetings according to the plan. To inform information about the group's performance and other information for members to be informed continuously as well as more technology and innovations in production have been applied. (5) Member administration Farmers' groups must set clear conditions for accepting new members. which was selected through at the meeting of the group committee There are also plans to develop the potential of organic rice production for members such as continuous and concrete (6) product management Farmers groups should have Electing representatives of farmers in the group to form a committee to monitor the practices in the fields of members. This will allow the produce to pass the organic rice standard and (7) on the results of group operations. Adopting participatory processes as a mechanism to encourage members within the weak group to participate more in the activities of the group. Therefore, relevant agencies should focus on the development of farmer groups. with an emphasis on development knowledge and technology to farmers until they become professional farmers to provide opportunities for members to learn together in the field of production Marketing and group management, coupled with the introduction of online marketing channel technology and data recording. as well as pushing new generations of farmers into the agricultural sector along with developing their potential The production and marketing of organic rice go hand in hand by government agencies and educational institutions in the area. Should develop the potential of the new generation of farmers to become the new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs. both in terms of knowledge and the ability to apply technology and innovation to increase production efficiency, as well as to provide low-interest credit services to incentivize farmers to adopt more modern technology and innovations in organic rice production. for the development of product quality and also to strengthen the strength of the group of farmers who grow organic rice sustainable