Technology Transfer Needs Assessment for Turmeric Farmers in Paphayom District, Phatthalung Province Prodution, problems and needs of farmers for technology transfer to do turmeric production in Paphayom District, Phatthalung Province.

Abstract

These research findings indicated that most farmers in the study were female, with an average age of 55.88 years and an average of 10.80 years of experience in cultivating turmeric. Often, turmeric is grown in conjunction with rubber cultivation. Farmers typically cultivated turmeric on 1.38 rai, preferring sandy loam soil conditions. Their preferred turmeric variety was Trang 84-2. The planting method involves digging holes 10 centimeters deep, with a spacing of 25 cm x 25 cm. Turmeric cultivation usually commences in June and concludes with its harvest in April. During planting, farmers apply a combination of chemical and biological fertilizers, along with organic manures. Weed control is primarily achieved by manual removal, while chemical treatments are employed to manage diseases and insect pests. During the 2021/2022 production season, farmers achieved an average turmeric yield of 1,675.81 kg. Farmers encounter various problems in turmeric production, particularly in maintenance, disease, and insect management. These issues adversely affect the planting area, often reducing production yields. The most pressing need for farmers is to acquire turmeric production technology, particularly in pest mitigation and elimination. Farmers want to receive knowledge transfer, such as with individualized guidance through farm visits. The media that farmers require include brochures and the assistance of extension officers. Additionally, the level of experience in turmeric production significantly influenced the farmers' technology transfer needs at a 0.01 significance level.