Commercial sericulture production in Northeastern: a case study of sericulture farmers in Huafai village, Khon Kaen Province, Thailand
2010
Sumranpath, K. | Angsuratana, A. | Autatthom, T., Kasetsart Univ., Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Pathom 73140 (Thailand). Faculty of Agriculture | Poramacom, N., Kasetsart Univ., Bangkok 10900 (Thailand). Faculty of Agriculture
The objectives of the study were to determine the existing supply chain condition of sericulture production in Huafai village, Khon Kaen province, Northeastern, their constraints and recommendations in order to improve sericulture production towards farmer participation. In-depth interview and SWOT analysis were obtained to collect data. Studied samples were the selected stake holders in commercial sericulture firms including sericulture farmers, middlemen, extension officers, and sericulture specialists. The finding revealed that in terms of mulberry cultivation, the most popular mulberry variety was 'BURIRUM 60'. Most of mulberry cultivated areas were irrigated towards commercial production system by furrow method. Cultivation techniques were also operated using extension officers reccommendations. Major of disease and pest were root rot disease and mealy bug, respectively. There were two patterns in silkworm rearing including rearing for cocoon sale and silk yarn production. Most popular silkworm varieties were 'DOKBUA' and 'NANGNOI' that reared 8-12 cycles a year. Rearing period was obtained around 23-25 days. Rearing room was constructed permanently. Mulberry leaves were fed at the appropriate silkworm age. Major disease was gasserry disease. Farmer controlled the disease by applying lime on silk worm regularly. Most of silk yarn product was first grade and was reeled using apparatus from the Queen Sirikit Institute of Sericulture. Fabric weaving was done towards standardization. Almost all silk yarn and fabric products were sold at the community and by middlemen, respectively. Variable cost of sericulture production was around 34,656.18 baht (US $990, 1 US $=35 baht) yearly while income from cocoon 95 baht (US $2.7) per kg., silk yarn 1,100 baht (US $31.4) per kg, and silk fabric 220 baht (US $6.2) per meter. SWOT analysis indicated that the strong point was farmer's experience in sericulture production and sericulture production was done through the integration between local wisdom and modernization technology. The weak point was instability of quality products and less concern for product quality. In terms of opportunity, the farmers were provided inputs, capital and knowledge from the government agencies. The threat point was the competition from low price of imitation products. The constraints were the instability of marketing channel and less bargaining power. Integrated firms should be promoted and more marketing channel should be supported.
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