LONGAN PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY EXTENSION MODEL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT BY LONGAN FARMERS IN NORTHERN THAILAND

Abstract

                The objectives of this research article were to: 1) study on longan production of longan farmers and expert farmers. 2) Develop models and 3) Test model Effectiveness. This research collect data by structured interviews from 201 Longan farmers, in-depth interview from 30 best practices farmers and using questionnaire to collect data from 10 officers and researchers who expert in Longan productions and extension. Then the data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics. Analyze the content Comparative statistics (t - test), Factor Analysis, SWOT Analysis and TOWS Matrix. According to the research found that. 1) Longan production process, including inputs planting and care Harvest Marketing and Processing. Longan production technology, including longan cultivation Soil nutrient analysis Fertilizing according to soil analysis cost or cut -to - order fertilizers Soil improvement by organic matter off - season longan production Management of longan diseases and pests by the combined method (IPM) pruning of longan canopy. Pruning longan bunches and compliance with GAP standards. General longan producers and expert farmers There are different levels of practice longan production technology. The level of agricultural promotion needs of general farmers was at high level while expert farmers were the highest. 2) The development of the model has four components: 2.1) Promote cost reduction and increase production efficiency Increase marketing opportunities and increase income from off-season longan production. 2.2) Encourage farmers to produce according to GAP standards and appropriate technology. 2.3) Encourage farmers to do environmentally friendly farming and 2.4) Encourage farmers to produce for sustainability 3) The results of the evaluation of the model effectiveness were found at the highest level, showing that Models are suitable, can use the model in farming.