Factor Affecting Decision Making on Madan (Garcinia Schomburgkiana Pierre.) Cultivation of Farmers in Nakhon Nayok Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study: 1) personal factors and economic factors, 2) practices for Madan cultivation, 3) levels of decision-making on Madan cultivation, 4) the difference between personal factors and economic factors affecting the decision-making on Madan cultivation, and 5) problems and suggestions regarding Madan cultivation. Sample sizes consisted of 124 farmers who plant Madan in Nakhon Nayok province. Data was collected using an interview record. Statistical analyses included frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, t-test, and F-test. The results of the research revealed that most of the farmers were female, with an average age of 59.33 years, and educated at primary school and lower primary school. These farmers received information about Madan from personal media including relatives and inherited from ancestors. The results from this research showed that decision-making of farmers on Madan cultivation depend on gender, number of laborers, productivity, sales of produce, and source of money with a significant level at 0.05, 0.01. The problems of cultivation were intermittent rain, oversupply, processing of Madan for export, and government support.