Development of Approaches for Promoting the Profession of Pesticide-Free Vegetable Farming: A Case Study of Ban Non Sawang, Kokkong Subdistrict, Samrong District, Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

Background and Aims: This study aims to study the current situation and problems of vegetable cultivation by farmers and explore ways to promote safe vegetable cultivation free from pesticides in the area of Ban Non Sawang, Khok Kong Subdistrict, Samrong District, Ubon Ratchathani Province.

Methodology: The research employed documentary research and field research methods, with data collected through in-depth interviews conducted in October 2024. The key informants comprised four groups: government officials/agricultural experts, vegetable farmers, vegetable consumers, and community leaders, with a total of 15 participants. A structured interview questionnaire was used as the research tool. Data analysis was conducted using content analysis, while information obtained from participatory brainstorming sessions was further categorized through typological analysis. The data were classified according to their sources and thematic relationships within the analytical framework and subsequently synthesized in accordance with the objectives of the study.

Results: 1) The majority of the population in Ban Non Sawang is primarily engaged in agriculture, with rice serving as the principal economic crop. This is integrated with the cultivation of diverse vegetable varieties, such as rice paddy herb, Thai basil, culantro, holy basil, lemon basil, and Chinese morning glory, both for household consumption and as a source of supplementary income. Consequently, vegetable cultivation plays a vital role in sustaining local livelihoods and household earnings. However, these agricultural practices face challenges regarding the use of chemical pesticides, which adversely affect the health of both farmers and consumers, as well as the integrity of natural resources and the environment. Moreover, such practices are also inconsistent with government policies aimed at promoting safe and sustainable agriculture. 2) The problems related to the cultivation of pesticide-free vegetables in Ban Non Sawang, Khok Kong Subdistrict, Samrong District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, reveal three key issues: (1) The public lacks knowledge about pesticide-free vegetable cultivation, (2) The public lacks motivation to grow pesticide-free vegetables, and (3) The public is not involved with the government in the process of promoting pesticide-free vegetable cultivation as a livelihood.

Conclusion: The strategies for promoting pesticide-free vegetable cultivation as a livelihood in Ban Non Sawang, Khok Kong Subdistrict, Samrong District, Ubon Ratchathani Province can be outlined in four ways: (1) Training sessions to provide farmers with knowledge on general safety agriculture, pesticide-free vegetable cultivation, skills and processes for growing pesticide-free vegetables, management of pesticide-free vegetable cultivation, and the opportunities for a livelihood in pesticide-free vegetable farming. (2) Conducting workshops to develop plans and strategies to stimulate the dissemination of information regarding the market for pesticide-free vegetables, creating motivation for farmers to change their vegetable cultivation methods, and encouraging them to understand the value, benefits, and advantages of pesticide-free vegetable cultivation. This will help farmers develop attitudes, knowledge, awareness, and receive relevant information. (3) Coordinating with local communities to ensure their participation in the process of promoting pesticide-free vegetable cultivation, so that farmers are involved in decision-making, operations, benefits, and evaluation. And 4) Organizing study tours or activities to allow farmers to learn, gain new experiences, and also create motivation and enhance awareness about pesticide-free vegetable cultivation.