Extension Model of Cricket Production Supply Chain Adhering to the Agricultural Product Standard in the Central Region

Abstract

This research aimed to study 1) the baseline conditions of cricket production among farmers in the central region, farmers' knowledge and adherence to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for cricket production based on agricultural product standards, 2) the extension conditions of cricket production along the supply chain, 3) factors affect the practice and extension of cricket production according to agricultural standards. 4) problems and recommendations for extending cricket production, and 5) the development and evaluation of a cricket production extension model along the supply chain in compliance with agricultural standards.

This mixed-method research study focused on four respondent groups: 1) 204 cricket farmers in the central region, from which 135 were sampled using Taro Yamane's formula. Data were collected using questionnaires and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis, 2) Five representatives of farmers practicing Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in collaborative cricket farming plots across four provinces were selected purposively, 3) Five officers from specialized economic insect operation centers were also purposively selected and 4) Four government, private, and agricultural representatives were also purposively selected. Data from the items 2 to 4 were collected through in-depth interviews and were analyzed using content analysis.

The findings showed that 1) Most farmers raise crickets as a secondary occupation and were members of large-scale farming groups. Fresh crickets were primarily sold to processing factories and online markets, with an average production yield of 30.35 kilogram per pound and a selling price of 117.78 Baht per kilogram. Farmers exhibited the highest knowledge about GAP for cricket production, with the most knowledge in farm components and the least in animal health. Similarly, adherence to GAP standards was highest in farm components, management, animal health, and the environment but was lowest in record-keeping. 2) The extension of cricket production along the supply chain was rated at the highest level overall. Farmers received high levels of knowledge about GAP cricket production and medium levels of support through various extension methods.They expressed the greatest need for knowledge about cricket production, followed by extension methods and support.3) Factors affect the practice of producing crickets according to agricultural standards, include experience in producing crickets, level of knowledge about production, level of extension needs in terms of extension methods and income from selling cricket products. Factors affect the extension of cricket production according to agricultural standards including the level of knowledge received from cricket production, income from selling cricket products, level of knowledge about production, and attending training sessions on cricket production. 4) Farmers confront moderate challenges in knowledge about standards, minor issues with extension methods, and minimal problems with support. Recommendations included diversifying cricket processing methods to add value and enhancing information on international markets. 5) The proposed cricket production extension model included four main components: (1) knowledge sources, The Department of Agricultural Extension, the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards, the Department of Livestock Development, processing factories, and educational institution; (2) knowledge content focuses on GAP cricket production, obtaining certification from the Department of Livestock Development, value-added processing, and domestic and international marketing; (3) extension channels: information technology, field trips to other farming areas, and printed materials such as brochures and newsletters; (4) Impact on farmers: developing knowledgeable and skilled producers in production and marketing. The model was evaluated as highly beneficial, appropriate, and feasible.