AN EXTENSION SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT OF QUALITY FRUIT PRODUCTION IN SOUTHERN BORDER PROVINCES

Abstract

The objectives of this research article were to 1) study the best practice of quality fruit production system, 2) study an extension of quality fruit production according to recommended principles, and 3) develop and extend an extension system of quality fruit production. The research was mixed method. The samples were selected by purposive, stratified, and systematic samplings with the total of 617 farmers. They were durian/long kong producers including the best practice farmers, farmers participating in the project of increasing efficiency of agricultural production in years of 2019 and 2020, and general fruit producers. The research tools were quality fruit production manuals, interview and structural questionnaires. Qualitative data were summarized contents while the quantitative data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, factor analysis, t-test, chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance, and multivariate analysis of variance. The research results showed that 1) the best practice farmers performed correctly according to recommended and good agricultural practice principles. 2) The durian farmers had better production process and products than the long kong farmers significantly in most topics. The knowledge reception and attitude towards the extension system of quality fruit production were perceived at high and highest levels. 3) The development and extending an extension system of quality fruit production, farmers who were members of prototype collaborative groups had better production process and products than other farmer groups. The knowledge reception and attitude towards the extension system were perceived at high level. The extension system should include an integration of responsible organizations, farmer to be a member of collaborative farm, and organizing fruit grading center.