Production Performance and Adoption Opinion Toward Wet and Dry Farming of GAP and Non-GAP Farmers in Suburban Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

Technology adoption requires technical information to support decision-making and encourage broader acceptance. Recognizing the significance of alternate wetting and drying technology in sustainable agriculture, this study aims to promote the adoption of this technology among both Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and non-GAP farmers in Suburban, Bangkok, Thailand. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, which gathered information on farmers' cost and return values, as well as their adoption opinions. The collected data were then analyzed using cost and return analysis, as well as stochastic frontier analysis. The results indicate that non-GAP farmers face significantly higher total costs due to increased fixed costs compared to GAP farmers. While there were no significant differences in yield between the two groups, GAP farmers achieved significantly higher total income and net profit due to lower total costs and higher selling prices. Furthermore, the analysis suggests that both groups of rice farmers have the potential to improve their efficiency levels, with non-GAP farmers showing a higher potential for improvement. In terms of adoption opinion, both farmer groups recognize the advantages of wet and dry farming technology over traditional flooded rice farming. This study highlights that the adoption levels of both GAP and non-GAP farmers can be significantly improved through the implementation of best management practices. Overall, the findings emphasize the importance of trustworthy information dissemination to encourage the adoption of wet and dry farming technology, as it enhances farmers' trust in the received information and their engagement with the technology. The study concludes by providing policy implications and recommendations to promote the wider adoption of wet and dry farming technology.