Management Strategies for Efficiency Enhancement of Commercial Rice Seed Production by the Community Rice Center, Kamphaeng Phet Province

Abstract

The objective of this research was to analyze the management practices of community rice mills and the opinions of their members regarding the management of these mills. The aim was to propose management strategies to enhance the efficiency of commercial rice seed production in community rice mills in Kamphaeng Phet Province. This was mixed-method research involving a sample size of 217 individuals, selected through simple random sampling, and data collection was conducted using interviews. Quantitative data analysis was performed using inferential statistics, while qualitative research involved conducting One-way ANOVA (F-test). Thirteen community rice mills were interviewed extensively about their context, and their management practices were analyzed using SWOT analysis principles to assess their internal and external environments. Subsequently, subgroup meetings were held with the management committees and group members (totaling 43 individuals) The study results found that the average rice planting area per household is 33.22 rai, and the average rice planting experience is 8.99 years. In terms of opinions on the management of community rice centers for commercial rice seed production under the POSDCoRB theory, the groups based on the potential of community rice centers are divided into 3 groups: very high potential group (Grade A), high potential group (Grade B), and medium potential group (Grade C). It was found that the overall management of community rice centers is significantly different at the 0.05 level (F=23.583). Thus, researcher proposed the development guidelines to enhance the management efficiency of community rice mills for commercial rice seed production should be tailored based on the potential grades of these mills in two strategies and five approachs for management strategies: Strategy 1: Enhance commercial rice seed production (Develop knowledge and skills for rice rice seeds production approach, and Promote the use of innovation and technology in rice seed production approach) Strategy 2: Enhance management efficiency of community rice center for commercial rice seed production (Develop the management capacity of personnel at community rice centers approach, and Manage community rice center for commercial rice seed production approach, and develop the network of community rice center approach)