An Evaluation of User Satisfaction and Economics Performance of the Closed-System Tilapia Farming Control System

Tilapia farming in Thailand faces critical challenges, including high mortality rates from water quality shock (20% production loss) and limited monthly farmer incomes of 2,700-9,100 Baht. This study evaluated the economic performance of a closed-system tilapia farming control device and user satisfaction among small-scale farmers. The objective was to assess whether adoption is associated with reduced production time and operating costs. Data were collected from 20 members of the Ban Pla Fish Farming Cooperative in Phayao Province who implemented the closed-system tilapia farming control device. Data collection utilized structured questionnaires covering satisfaction levels, operational performance, and financial outcomes, with analysis employing descriptive statistics and economic cost-effectiveness analysis. Based on the results of this study, the closed-system tilapia farming control device demonstrated exceptional performance across all evaluation categories. User satisfaction reached very high levels, with system functionality receiving the highest ratings. Technology achieved significant operational improvements: cultivation cycles reduced from 180 to 150 days (16.7% improvement), labor requirements decreased from 3 to 1 worker per pond (66.7% reduction), and aerator usage declined from 7 to 5 hours daily (28.6% reduction). Most critically, during the study period, the system eliminated fish mortality from water quality shock entirely. Economic performance analysis showed strong investment viability with Net Present Value of 747,975 Baht, Internal Rate of Return of 40.05%, and 2-year payback period. The closed-system tilapia farming control device represents a transformative solution for modernizing Thailand's tilapia sector through accessible technological innovation.