THE FARMING PROMOTION APPROACHES OF LOCAL CHAIYA NATIVE RICE IN CHAIYA DISTRICT, SURATTHANI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to study (1) the general characteristics of the cultivation of native Hom Chaiya rice of Surat Thani Province, (2) the factors affecting the cultivation of indigenous Hom Chaiya rice, (3) propose a method for cultivating Hom Chaiya native varieties. Data were collected from 15 local government officials and experienced rice scholars in Surat Thani Province, 13 Hom Chaiya rice farmers, and 222 rice farmers. Semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and content analysis were used to collect data. The results found that there were currently 13 farmers cultivating Chaiya native rice in Chaiya District, Surat Thani province in an area of approximately 0.25-2 rai from 3-5 rai of the total per farmer. For the factors affecting the planting of Chaiya native rice; namely knowledge, production costs, production factor, market demand, government support, area conditions, values of farmers, production and the product price. As for the guidelines to promote Chaiya native rice varieties, namely supporting research and development of Chaiya native rice varieties, supporting knowledge and necessary production factors as appropriate, promoting management throughout the supply chain, promoting integration and networking, including creating heirs for farmers, creating awareness and public relations and promoting GI products.