ปัจจัยที่มีผลต่อการยอมรับสารจุลินทรีย์ควบคุมศัตรูพืชของเกษตรกรเครือข่ายเกษตรกรรมยั่งยืนแม่ทา ตำบลแม่ทา อำเภอแม่ออน จังหวัดเชียงใหม่

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to study some basic personal, economic, and social characteristics of farmers. To analyze the factors affecting farmers’ adoption of microbial pesticides and to study problems and suggestions regarding the acceptance of utilizing microbial pesticides by Mae Tha Sustainable Agriculture Network. In this study, data collection was conducted among members of the Mae Tha Sustainable Agriculture Network in Mae Tha Sub-district, Mae On District, Chiang Mai Province, who were still active members in 2023. The sample size was calculated using Yamane's formula (1967) with an acceptable sampling error of 0.03 or a confidence level of 97%. Due to the population group have diversity. Data was collected using interview schedules that had an Item-Objective Congruence Index (IOC) value was 0.89. The reliability of this interview schedule was assessed for the items concerning knowledge and practice related to the utilization of microbial pesticides, employing the Kuder-Richardson (KR-20) measurement method. The reliability coefficient obtained for knowledge related to the utilization of microbial pesticides was 0.79 and for practice related to the utilization of microbial pesticides was 0.93. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics including frequency, percentage, mean, maximum, minimum, and standard deviation. And Inferential statistics was multiple regression analysis. The results showed that the majority of farmers are female with 61.7%, the average age of the farmers was 50.28 years old, graduated from Grade 6. Farmers have an average of 11.44 years of experience in organic farming, the average area dedicated to organic agricultural practices was 4.52 rai, with an average of 2.49 household laborers and 1.87 non-household laborers. During 2022, farmers generated an approximate total income of 99,432.10 baht from organic farming activities. Furthermore, The majority of farmers did not have outstanding debts. However, for those with debts, the average household debt among farmers was 35,493.83 baht. The majority of farmers did not have borrow money, if there is borrow money farmers borrow the most from the Mae Tha Sustainable Agriculture Cooperative. Farmers sell their products to the Mae Tha Organic Community Enterprise Group the most, primarily received information regarding microbial pesticides from fellow network members and the most farmers have no social position. Moreover, farmers have a high level of knowledge related to the use of microbial pesticides, more than 50% of farmers answered incorrectly on two issues are the highest percentage (76.50%) incorrectly believed that spraying microbial pesticides killing insects rather than repels them and the second highest (58.60%) incorrectly thought that Trichoderma fungi are used for fungal plant diseases. Farmers also have a high level of positive attitude towards using microbial pesticide, more than 20% of farmers were uncertain about two points are the highest percentage (35.80%) were unsure whether microbial pesticides are easily accessible and the second highest (29.60%) were uncertain about whether using microbial pesticide involves uncomplicated steps. Overall, farmers show a high level of acceptance for using microbial pesticdes, more than 50% of farmers have incorrect practices in two areas are the highest percentage (60.50%) incorrectly mix microbial pest control agents with leaf adhesives when spraying and the second highest (59.30%) incorrectly believe that expanded microbial pesticides should be used up within 7 days. Factors related to the adoption of microbial pesticides where a positive relationship is knowledge about microbial pesticides was statistical significance at 0.05 and factors related to the adoption of microbial pesticides where a negative relationship are Number of household labor for organic farming and having household debt were statistical significance at 0.05.

The problems faced by farmers using microbial pesticides, it was found that farmers experienced low levels of problems. The greatest problem in terms of farmers was a lack of basic knowledge about microbial pesticides, followed by the issue was the difficulty in finding additional sources of information on microbial pesticides and inconvenience of spraying microbial pesticides at least 4 times per month. At least according to the number, the issue was the inconvenience of cleaning equipment after every spraying session. The suggestions provided by farmers utilizing microbial pesticides included the following: The government should organize more training related to the use of microbial pesticides and provide support in procuring adequate materials and equipment for the propagation of microbial pesticides. Additionally, support should be extended toward the establishment of teams dedicated to the application of microbial pesticides, as farmers face inconvenience in performing frequent sprayings. Relevant agencies promoting the use of microbial pesticides should continuously organize training activities to provide knowledge and practical experience. This will enable farmers to understand and produce microbial pest control agents independently, without solely relying on support from the Mae Tha Sub-district Community Pest Management Center and the government. Moreover, Set a team of experts in microbial pest control agents should be served as a local consulting unit, this team would assist farmers in initiating production, expansion, and spraying of microbial pesticides in their agricultural areas until clear results are observed. Furthermore, demonstration plots should be set up within the community, showcasing consistent and scientifically correct use of microbial pesticides with evident results. These plots would serve as study sites and build confidence among farmers regarding the use of microbial pest control agents. They would demonstrate that these methods are suitable for the local area, having been tested by farmers in the region. This approach aims to enhance farmers' understanding, self-reliance, and confidence in using microbial pest control agents effectively in their agricultural practices.