Para Rubber Production and Marketing in North Region of Thailand: Case Study in Chiang Mai,Chiang Rai and Phayoa Province

Abstract

     The study was conducted with objective of exploring the dynamics of rubber production development, decision making, effects of career change, and marketing pattern in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Phayoa. Information was collected through in-depth interviews and a structured questionnaire for a sample group of 28 rubber planters. The results noted that the dynamics of rubber development can be divided into three phases: initiation of rubber planting, promotion of rubber planting and the development of rubber products marketing. The rubber planting career enhances the land use efficiency, minimize the labor movement and the livelihood. The production and management of rubber plantation in the highland areas and rolling areas of the hills or mountainous areas were found in this study. An average of 15 rai was occupied by each family and production of 236 Kg. per rai annually. There were limitations in the cultivation areas, low rainfall, lack of investment and rubber planting expertise, and without consistent availability of market. While the merits were the enthusiasm of planters, accessibility to information, probability of extension of cultivation areas, and supports from government agencies. The marketing channels are the sell of product to local merchants with destruction in eastern provinces with marginal profit for rubber sheets of 11.22 baht per kilogram.