Farmers’ knowledge and practices of shiitake mushroom production in the royal project area

Abstract

This research study aims to 1) study personal fundamental, economic, and social characteristics of shiitake mushroom farmers in the Royal Project Foundation Area 2) study factors related to the practices of shiitake mushroom farmers in the Royal Project Foundation Area 3) study problems and suggestions towards the shiitake mushroom production to farmers in the Royal Project Foundation Area. The samples of this research are 100 farmers in the Royal Project Foundation Area, namely Teen Tok Royal Project Development Center; Nong Khiaw Royal Project Development Center; Khun Wang Royal Project Development Center; Mok Jam Royal Project Development Center; Huai Pong Royal Project Development Center; and Pa Miang Royal Project Development Center. The samples were calculated by applying Taro Yamane 's formula which the tolerance was 0.03. Statistics used for data analysis were the Descriptive Statistics including frequency, percentage, minimum, maximum, mean, and standard deviation and the Inferential Statistics. The hypothesis was tested in multiple regression analysis by using Enter Regression for input variables. The study shows that 60 percent of the samples reveal their gender in female. Their average of age is 53.44 years old. They have been experienced in shiitake mushroom production in average 8.42 years. Household labors are 2.84 people. The average annual income from selling shiitake mushroom just under 67,515.00 Thai Bath with an average production cost slightly more 34,886.05 Thai Bath per year. There is an average of liability 25,762.40 Thai Bath per year. Moreover, the study founded that most of the sample farmers have joined their group members. They had a high level of knowledge in shiitake mushroom production with an average score of knowledge slightly more 12.53 percent which related to the practices in shiitake mushroom production were high, reaching 66 percent. Overall, the study showed 9 aspects with an average practice of 35.86 points. The results of factors affected to the practices of shiitake mushroom production of farmers in the Royal Project Foundation Area described experience in shiitake mushroom production were the statistically significant positive correlation with the practices in shiitake mushroom production at 0.05 of farmers in the Royal Project Foundation Area. Similarly, there were factors affected to the practices in shiitake mushroom production of farmers in the Royal Project Foundation Area, illustrated that the knowledges in shiitake mushroom production were the statistically significant positive correlation with the practices in shiitake mushroom production at 0.01; and the perceiving information were the statistically significant positive correlation with the practices in shiitake mushroom production at 0.10. Problems and suggestions from farmers who produced shiitake mushroom in the Royal Project Foundation Area claimed that there are scarcities in funding supports, raw materials, tools and equipment, and facilitate machineries to facilitate the process of shiitake mushroom production. Similarly, there was the demand on necessary materials and equipment in handling with water scarcity from natural water sources caused by drought. In addition, farmers suggested that the Royal Project Foundation should increase their purchasing ability on fresh shiitake mushroom as well as required the expert officer to perform a conducting training, a promoting on shiitake mushroom production, and an advising in marketing guidelines for shiitake mushroom products. The suggestions from the research are the Royal Project Foundation and relevant agencies should conduct a comprehensive training workshop on shiitake mushroom production both academic session and practical session. Furthermore, they should transfer knowledge of the advantages in shiitake mushroom production through various channels so that farmers will be able to apply knowledge and practices to their own farms. It is interesting to note that they should encourage model farmers to educate themselves on the accurate production of shiitake mushrooms. Moreover, they should increase sales channels by processing shiitake mushroom products as well as create a new marketing model. In the meanwhile, promotion on a water management system could help farmers has sufficient water for the production of shiitake mushrooms. In addition, farmers should be encouraged to take record in order to achieve the development in shiitake mushroom production. Therefore, it can be concluded that farmers should increase their knowledge, experience, and skills through regular research and finding additional information on shiitake mushroom production along with receiving training course and support from the the Royal Project Foundation personnel who can provide technical advice to farmers consistently and continuously.