Production and marketing of som khiew waan (Citrus reticulata Blanco.) in amphoe Thanyaburi, changwat Pathum Thani in 1984

Most of the farmers were male married with an average age of 40.99 years, and an average education attainment of Pathom 4. Their main occupation was agriculture. Most of them had no minor occupation. The average number of family members was 7, 3 of whom were able to work in agriculture. Average permanent and temporary labourers was 5 and 9 per family, respectively. They did not have their own land, the average area was 50.93 rai per family and average rent wsa 374.58 baht per rai per year. Most of the farmers migrated from othe places. Most were previously employed in horticultural plantations. Television was the most popular mass media to het agricultural knowledge. The average area of Sam Khiew Waan was 45.03 rai per family. Planting density was 49 trees per rai and their average tree age was 6.16 years. Most of the farmers planted Sam Khiew Waan because of good income. Marcotted trees were bought from Bangkok. Average width of the raised bed for each row was 5.83 metre and planting distance was 3.66 metre. Fertilizers were not applied at first because of lack of information on its use. Manual weeding and herbicides were used to control weeds. Most of the farmers used technology to increase yield. Knowledge about cultural practices was obtained from their relations. Chemical agents were consulted when they had the problems about planting. The average annual yield wsa 1983.6 kgs per rai with a value of 10,283.17 baht per rai. Annual expenses for pesticides and fertilizers was 5,201.97 baht. Most of the farmers obtained production loans from the bank. Price depended on the fruits average size. Most of the farmers sold the fruits through middlemen. Most of the merchants came to purchase the fruits at Northern Central Wholesale Market. The most important production problems were diseases and insect pests. Most of the farmers expressed the need for government support in providing information on increasing yield