DEVELOPMENT AND EXTENSION OF WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR VEGETABLE AND FRUIT PRODUCTION ACCORDING TO MARKET NEEDS

Abstract

               The objectives of this research were to study: 1) the situations of water management system by farmers for vegetable and fruit production, 2) suitable tool development of water management system for vegetable and fruit production, and 3) an extension guideline of water management system for vegetable and fruit production according to local market needs. The research used a mixed research method, divided into 3 steps according to the research objective. The research population was a group of farmers using the smart system of Lamphun Province, Chiang Mai Province, Lampang Province and 16 members of Safe Vegetable Growing of the Phrae Provincial Agricultural Office. Samples of farmers who are ready to learn and can pass on to the next 5 farmers group members and 103 people who can provide complete information. Research tools include 1) In-depth interview 2) Observation form obtained from the records from the developed fully developed automatic irrigation apparatus 3) the structured interview form. Data analysis using descriptive statistics. The results showed that. 1) water management of farmers Most of the farmers are elderly. Fruits and vegetables are watered using domestic labor. 2) The development of automatic water management tools, convenient to use. No labor required The amount of water provided is adequate and suitable for the needs of fruits and vegetables. Resulting in increased yield per unit quantity and good quality. 3) Establish guidelines for promoting water management for fruit and vegetable production, and most farmers are interested in automatic management tools. Save water. The output is of consistent quality. Reduce labor and time for watering.