Acceptance and Economic Worthiness of the Innovation of Modified Biochar for Agricultural Based Communities in Chiang Mai and Lamphun

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1) transfer the prototype innovation of modified biochar;  2) study the acceptance of the prototype innovation of modified biochar; and 3) analyze the economic feasibility of the prototype. The study was conducted in two target areas: Kaset Pattana Village, Pa Phai Subdistrict, San Sai District, Chiang Mai Province, and Huai Muang Mai Pattana Village, Huai Yap Subdistrict, Ban Thi District, Lamphun Province. This research employed a research and development (R & D) approach. A purposive sample of 60 household vegetable farmers was selected. Data were collected using knowledge assessment forms and record forms, and analyzed using descriptive statistics-mean, percentage, and standard deviation-as well as inferential statistics using the paired t-test. Economic feasibility was evaluated using Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), and Payback Period (PB). The results revealed that the knowledge transfer process of the modified biochar innovation significantly improved participants’ knowledge at the 0.01 level. The farmers showed a high level of acceptance of the innovation, particularly in recognizing its benefits, such as converting agricultural wood waste into valuable biochar and enhancing the safety of agricultural produce. The production process also encouraged community participation in wood waste preparation and crop care. Farmers demonstrated increased understanding following expert-led training. However, a shortage of biochar production equipment remained a key challenge, leading to reliance on manual labor, which could affect both production time and costs. Economic analysis indicated that the use of modified biochar reduced production costs by 45.03%. The Net Present Value (NPV) was 955.86 THB, the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) was 18.29%, the Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) was 1.05, and the average Payback Period (PB) was 4.26 years. It is recommended to promote the use of agricultural waste to produce modified biochar for agricultural applications, which can enhance food safety, reduce production costs for farmers, and mitigate the problem of fine particulate air pollution caused by open burning in Northern Thailand.