Kanjana Noree. Feasibility of promoting toxic free Homothong banana cultivation to farmers of Huai Sai Royal Development Study Center, Phetchaburi province , Thailand . Master's Degree(Rural Development Studies). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2004.
Feasibility of promoting toxic free Homothong banana cultivation to farmers of Huai Sai Royal Development Study Center, Phetchaburi province , Thailand
Abstract:
This research used qualitative and quantitative analysis methods to study the
feasibility underlying promotion of toxic free Homthong banana cultivation by farmers of
Huai Sai Royal Development Study Center. The population under the study comprised of
1) technical officers responsible for transferring principles and methods of toxic free
Homthong banana cultivation, 2) farmers who cultivate toxic free Homthong bananas in
the area of Banlat and Thayang agricultural co-operatives, and 3) community leaders and
farmers from the Huai Sai Royal Development Study Center. The objective was to carry
out a feasibility study of marketing, financial, physical, social, management and
technological aspects.
The findings of this study conclude that there is potential for success in all 6
aspects underlying promotion of toxic free Homthong banana cultivation to farmers.
Some restrictions and factors did emerge, however: 1) Marketing -- there is good
potential in domestic and international markets for Homthong bananas. 2) Financial -- the
cultivators would have return on investment and there are local sources of funds to
provide loans for farmers. 3) Physical -- water abundance, soil, wind, humidity, climate
and cultivation area conditions are suitable for cultivation. 4) Social -- farmer participation
and perception of the project’s benefits would contribute to promoting successful
cultivation. 5) Management -- transportation routes, family labor and organization participation
would contribute to successful cultivation. 6) Technology -- the existing knowledge on
banana cultivation among farmers makes it easier to promote the Homthong banana
cultivation; and most farmers have correct knowledge with regards to the practices required.
The activities of Huai Sai Royal Development Study Center undertaken according to the
Royal Initiatives on Self-Reliance Development Theory and New Theory, contribute to
supporting and promoting the feasibility of the 6 aspects more completely. Agricultural
activities emphasize the local wisdom and use of technology to reduce chemical usage and
dependence on external factors. Moreover, the cultivation of toxic free Homthong bananas
in combination with other agricultural activities on the New Theory plot can earn extra
income and expand the Sufficiency Economy concept more widely. Recommendations
from the study are that farmers should integrate toxic free Homthong banana cultivation
with the New Theory since this concept takes into account both social and economic
aspects, and is not overly concerned with optimal profits while overlooking potential social
problems.