Development of New Normal Herbal Agriculture Guidelines Based on the BCG Model: A Case Study of Tao Poon Cimmunity, Photharam District, Ratchaburi Province

Abstract

This research employed a mixed methods approach, combining survey research with phenomenological qualitative research. The objectives were to: 1) study the current conditions of Tao Poon community and its medicinal herb agricultural management, 2) develop guidelines for new normal medicinal herb agriculture based on the BCG Model concept, and 3) evaluate the quality of the developed guidelines. The sample consisted of 380 residents from Tao Poon Sub-district, selected through multi-stage sampling method, and 20 key informants selected through purposive sampling. Research instruments included semi-structured interviews, questionnaires on the current state of medicinal herb agriculture, and guideline quality assessment forms. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and t-test. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.

The research findings revealed that: 1) Tao Poon community has a total agricultural area of 15,035 rai with a population of 6,162 people in 9 villages. Farmers' knowledge of medicinal herb agricultural management in 5 main areas was at a low level (averaging less than 50%), including land preparation (43.79%), plant variety selection (36.49%), maintenance and soil cultivation (42.06%), weed and pest control (28.32%), and other aspects (35%). The main causes were that most farmers had educational levels below secondary education (76.32%) and lacked systematic knowledge transfer sources. 2) The developed guidelines for new normal medicinal herb agriculture based on the BCG Model comprised 5 main areas: soil management (emphasizing organic fertilizer use and soil improvement with natural materials), water management (using drip irrigation systems and water recycling), soil and water restoration-conservation (promoting cover crops and check dams), water source procurement (developing rainwater harvesting systems and solar-powered shallow wells), and knowledge transfer (establishing community learning centers and developing networks of local wisdom experts). 3) The quality assessment of the guidelines showed that feasibility was mostly at a high level (mean 4.21-4.49), except for soil and water restoration-conservation which was at the highest level (4.533). Appropriateness was at the highest level in all areas (mean 4.51-4.88), with knowledge transfer having the highest mean (4.880). When comparing the feasibility and appropriateness of the guidelines, no significant differences were found, both overall and in individual areas.

The research results can be applied to develop new normal medicinal herb agriculture based on the BCG Model in other areas with similar contexts and serve as a prototype for sustainable agricultural development planning that aligns with the country's Bio-Circular-Green Economy policy.