Transforming to Organic Vegetable Production Systems Of Highland Agriculture, Samoeng District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

The study aimed to study farmers’ practice and transforming to organic vegetable farming. Data were collected using the semi-structured questionnaires and focus group discussion from January to April 2013. The findings revealed that farmers in the study areas had experience in organic vegetable production. Organic vegetable farming practice included land preparation, seed, type of crop, planting method, soil nutrient management, pest management, weed management and harvesting. It is suggested that farmers who are serious about transforming their vegetable production to an organic vegetable production system should start from a pre-transition period, by slowly reducing conventional practices such as using fertilizer, pesticides and beginning organic practices. At present the reduced chemical use in agriculture is an alternative agriculture practice of farmers. The trend toward organic production is driven by great concern of consumers regarding possible negative impacts of chemicals on their health. For these reasons, organic production is the best solution to the present  problems.