Abstract
The research aims to study 1) personal and socio-economic characteristics of farmers in Mae Ai district Chiang Mai, 2) the adoption of rice production of farmers 3) factors associated with the adoption of rice production, and 4) the problems and suggestions of farmers. Data were collected by questionnaire from a sample of rice farmers living in 365 households in Mae Ai district. Statistics used were percentage mean, standard deviation and multiple regression analysis.
The results revealed that the overall adoption was at a moderate level. They adoptied and applied rice planting method the most. They applied method of harvesting on a high scale, with a moderate applied level adoption of cultural methods. The farmer had a low adoption of recommended rice variety.
Multiple regression analysis showed that gender, household income, expenditure, funding/ membership of financial institutions, information on rice production, and past training for the past 3 years was very highly significant associated with the adoption of rice production.
Problems of farmers identified were seasonal water or shortage of extension officers who will provide knowledge and training in crop protection. The feedback from the farmers was that equity irrigation water for rice should be managed. The recommendation also included that there should be a local agency such as equity Santonmue subdistrict office. Be incharge of education and training in the pre-season crop of rice paddy.