A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Natural Resources Management, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2016

In this study, a survey of one hundred and seventy six (176) farmers, sampled from the five selected villages of the Maubin Township, Ayeyarwaddy Delta region, Myanmar to observe whether the postharvest technology improvement is essential for them. Firstly, Best-Worst Scaling (BWS) analysis was employed in evaluating farmers{u2019} priorities when using a postharvest technology. Secondly, principal component analysis (PCA) was done to identify the major associated variables proposed by BWS. Thirdly, cluster analysis was analyzed for the individual weights of each associated variables. The analysis results showed the farmers gave the highest rating on the attribute {u2018}seeds selection{u2019} for their crop revenue improvement and they were willing to control humidity level of paddy so as to get the higher paddy price. For postharvest technology improvement, faster drying would be the major concern among farmers for avoiding weather risk. Although there is incentive to dry paddy, farmers often fail to do it. Well-dried grains should be differentiated and reflected for higher prices.