Aromatic Coconuts Production Management of Collaborative Farming Aromatic Coconut Farmers Group, Ko San Phra Subdistrict, Wat Phleng District, Ratchaburi Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to analyze 1)aromatic coconut production management, and 2)problems and suggestions for the group members' production management. This research method consisted of the collection of primary data by survey. In 2023/24 there were 34 farmers who were registered with the Department of Agricultural Extension as members of the large-scale farmers of coconut group in Ko San Phra Subdistrict, Wat Phleng District, Ratchaburi Province. The data were gathered by questionnaires, and the quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentage, minimum value, maximum value and mean. The content analysis method was used to analyze the qualitative data.
The findings indicate that 1) the majority of farmers were female with an average age greater than 61 years old, a high school education, an average of 16.56 years of coconut production experience, an average of four household members, an average of two farming labors, an average of two hired labors, the cost was 5,408.48 baht per rai. 2)The soil in the study area is clay soil. The typical production management consisted of single-row planting ridges, planting holes measuring 0.5x0.5x0.5 meters, and planting distance of 6x6 meters. The coconut variety was a “Hmu si kheiyw”, with five-month-old seedlings. The farm management conducted one soil sample analysis, watered an average of 5.26 times per month by spraying from boats and applied organic and chemical fertilizers. Harvesting after 2-3 years planting, some farmers dug up the mud and added an average of 30.50 kilograms of salt per rai. Production is harvested every 20 days. Middlemen set the market price. Most farmers do not contribute capital to the co-operative (large-scale project). 3) The fundamental problems included (1) high production cost. There are suggestions for organizations to purchase production factors, produce their own fertilizer, and manage agricultural residues. (2) production issues caused by unstable weather and pest outbreaks. The public and private sectors should promote knowledge and innovation, and farmers should monitor their fields to prevent insect infestations. (3) Issues with marketing management. Farmer groups should be formed to negotiate sales contracts with the commercial sector, and farmers should be encouraged to use processing to increase the value of their crop yields, and (4) Issues with group management. Members should be encouraged to recognize their significance within the group.