EXTENSION OF DURIAN PRODUCTION AND MARKETING OF FARMERS IN WANG CHAN DISTRICT, RAYONG PROVINCE

Abstract

     The objectives of this research are to study (1) The social and economic background of farmers. (2) Awareness and practices related to durian production and marketing. (3) Costs and returns in durian production. (4) The demand for support in durian production and marketing And (5) Problems and recommendations. The research population consists of farmers registered with the Wang Chan District Agricultural Office, Rayong Province, in 2022, totaling 712 individuals. The sample size was determined using Taro Yamane's formula with a margin of error of 0.07, resulting in 159 participants. The sampling method used was accidental sampling. Data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire. The statistical methods used for data analysis included frequency, percentage, minimum, maximum, mean, standard deviation, and ranking.

     The results of the research showed that (1) The majority of farmers are female, with an average age of 54.30 years. The average household size is 3.20 people. Most have completed primary school education and cultivate durian according to ancestral practices. They own land with legal documentation, and the average landholding is 5.40 rai. Most farms are single-crop durian orchards, primarily growing the Monthong variety. The average household labor force is 2.50 people, and the average hired labor force is 3.8 people. The average agricultural income in 2022 was 1,621,245.28 baht per year, with average durian production costs of 482,298.55 baht per year. 84.9% of farmers have their own capital and an average debt of 1,268,987.34 baht. (2) Awareness and practices related to durian production and marketing were highest regarding pricing issues. (3) The average durian production cost was 316,504.28 baht per year, with average returns from durian farming at 2,708,438.51 baht per year. (4) The overall demand for support was high (= 3.99), with the highest need for support in production factors (= 4.28), followed by agricultural extension support (= 4.10), and marketing support (= 4.09). (5) The overall issues in durian production and marketing promotion were significant ( = 3.49), with the most pressing issues in water and soil management (= 3.75), followed by planting and maintenance (= 3.70), and marketing ( = 3.60). Recommendations for production include increasing knowledge of production technologies, inspecting the quality of durian exports, and government promotion of durian exports. Furthermore, the development and promotion of applications related to durian production and marketing should be convenient and accessible. This research can study and recommend proper durian orchard management practices, including appropriate fertilizer and water usage, pest control, and correct harvesting methods, in order to increase yield per rai and improve the quality of durians to meet market demand. Moreover, continuous development will help farmers gain new knowledge and technologies for sustainable durian production.