GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPING LARGE-SCALE RICE FARMING MANAGEMENT OF RICE FARMER GROUPS IN SUPHAN BURI PROVINCE

Abstract

          This study aimed at: 1) classifying the development stages in the management of large-scale rice farming management of rice farmer groups in Suphan Buri Province; and 2) assessing the necessities of rice farmer groups in Suphan Buri province for further appropriate development. The conceptual framework of this study was based on the concepts, theories, and objectives of large-scale rice farming policy. The quantitative method was applied in this study by means of in-depth interviews with key informants, which included agricultural research officers, large-scale rice farming managers, and large-scale rice farming chairpersons in the total of 40 persons, and the focus group, Analyze content and write descriptive narratives.

          The results showed that 1) development stages in the management of large-scale rice farming management of  rice farmer groups in Suphan Buri province could be classified into 2 levels, that is, Level A are in accordance with large-scale rice farming objectives and operating framework, e.g. group formation, cost reduction, output increase, output quality development, and joint management including production planning, marketing, purchase of production factors, joint use of agricultural equipment, tools, devices, and machines. For the large-scale rice farming in Level B have actions undertaken already involved the group formation, cost reduction, and output increase, purchase of production factors, joint use of agricultural equipment, tools, devices, and machines. However, in both levels, they had the same problems in respect with marketing, product distribution, processing, and addition of product value. 2) The necessities for development of large-scale rice farming management of rice farmer groups in Suphan Buri province were the development of group formation, development of area-based and water management, development of cost-reduction, output quality development in accordance with Good Agriculture Practices (GAP), marketing development in terms of output purchase and distribution channels, and appropriate development of innovation and technology for higher efficiency of large-scale rice farming in Suphan Buri province.