Self-reliance Capability of Rice Seed Production Group Members: A Case Study of Ban Makok Tai Seed Multiply Field Group, Phatthalung Province

Abstract

     The objectives of this investigation were to determine 1) some background of Ban Makok Tai Seed Multiply Field Group members, 2) rice seed production process, 3) their self-reliance capabilities, 4) indicated the relationship between some background of members with their self reliance capabilities, and 5) their constraints and recommendations in order to improve their self-reliance capabilities. Population was 62 members of Ban Makok Tai Seed Multiply Field Group, Chai-Buri sub-district, Mueang district, Phatthalung province. Data collection was obtained through interview schedule. Descriptive statistics were frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and correlation. The findings revealed that their average age was 52 years. Major occupation was rice cultivation. Average farm land tenure was 22.6 rai (3.62 hectares) per household. Average income was 326,788 baht per year per household. Average rice seed was 746 kilogram per rai. Cost of seed production was 2,239 baht per rai. Their self-reliance capabilities indicated by their actual roles in respective aspects were found by 7 sub-items, including self-reliance capabilities towards self-sufficiency economic aspects, self-reliance capabilities towards their roles, self-reliance capabilities towards socio-cultural aspects, self-reliance capabilities towards economic aspects, self-reliance capabilities towards seed production aspects, self-reliance capabilities towards strength community aspects, and self-reliance capabilities towards social aspects respectively. Factors affecting self-reliance capabilities development were rice seed production experiences, rice seed income, rice seed cost, rice seed field tenure, number of group belonging, farm media perception, public activities participation, and number of native knowledge application. Recommendations were 1) to campaign native knowledge application for rice seed production; 2) to promote cultivation techniques under cultural concerns; 3) to support group building for more supply; and 4) to enhance their capabilities continuity towards field study, academic discussions, and training courses.