The Impact of Training and Visit System of Agricultural Extension on the Adoption of Modern Practices for Rubber, Fruit Tree and Rainy Season Rice Farming of Thai Muslims : The Case of Klong Gua Village, Khao Phra Sub district, Ratta Phume District, Songkhla Province.

Abstract

This study was aimed to investigate the impact of Training and Visit System of Agricultural Extension (T & V system) on rubber, fruit tree and rice farming of Thai speaking Muslims between 1985/86 and 1991/1992 crop years. One hundred and nineteen samples were obtained from the name list used in 1986 survey. Data collected from 1986 survey were compared with ones collected from 1992 survey. The result of the study on the impact of T & V system on rubber farming showed the number of adopters of recommended rubber variety, cover crop, chemical fertilizer application prior to and post production periods was increased but in was difficult to conclude that the impact was solely due to T & V system. Apparently, the Office of Rubber Replanting Aid Funds (ORRAF) played the significant roles at the early stage of establishing the rubber farms while Ratta Phume Agriculture office through T & V system did so at the later stage. The promotion of fruit tree and rainy season rice farming was distinguished from the rubber farming because the promotion of the first two was responsible directly by Raata Phume Agriculture Office. The result of the study on the impact on fruit tree farming revealed that the number of adopters of recommended durian and rambutan varieties, chemical fertilizer and insecticide application as well as pruning was increased. The result of the study on the impact on rainy season rice farming indicated that the number of adopters of recommended rice varieties, chemical fertilizer application in the rice seedling nursery was increased. It was interestion to note that after 9 years of implementing T & V system in Klong Gua, the Thai Muslims were economically better off which reflected in the increase of income and ownerships of the agricultural tools as well as luxurious belongings.