Application of Wisdom of Ginger Farmers in Highlands to Promote Community Economy in Nam Nao District, Phetchabun Province

Abstract

Thailand is a country with the majority of the population engaged in agriculture and a land of crops, vegetables and fruits due to the variety of crops that change throughout the year. Ginger is one of the most important crops in Thailand and grows well in general areas, especially in the upland areas, where ginger is an important source of ginger production and trading in Thailand. Thus, the objectives of this study were 1) to study the background, wisdom and problems the farmers encountered in ginger cultivation in the highlands of Phetchabun Province, 2) to establish the guidelines for the application of commercial ginger cultivation by farmers in the highlands in order 3) to promote the community economy and to use the obtained guidelines in ginger cultivation in the highlands. This study was a mixed method research consisting of qualitative research and quasi-experimental research. The data collection was conducted through observations, interviews, focus group discussion and experiments. The results showed that 3 farmers have different background, the application of wisdom and problems encountered in ginger farming which include farmland selection, seed selection, soil preparation, cultivation method, irrigation and fertilization, disease and weed prevention, and harvest. These farmers have some similarities and differences in their cultivation methods. In establishing the guidelines for commercial ginger cultivation of farmers in the highlands, the analysis of the similarities and differences among 3 farmers lead to successful application of the commercial ginger cultivation. A farmer applied the obtained guidelines in his ginger cultivation in Nam Nao district and found that this method led successful cultivation in terms of average ginger quantity per rai and quality, with an average profit of 23,680 baht/rai. As for the promotion of community economy, the farmers still gain profit considering the current price of ginger because there are certain markets for their produce, but the price may fall in the future.