Costs and Profit Planning of Processed Products from the Pak Phanang River Basin : A Case Study of a Community in the Pak Phanang Basin

Abstract

     The research on the costs and profit planning of community-processed products in the Pak Phanang watershed aimed to analyze costs and develop profit plans. The study evaluated the application of cost analysis and profit planning among 20 informants who were members of the community engaged in product processing. Research tools included interviews, record forms, and questionnaires.
     The findings revealed that the processed products consisted of fermented mullet fish, crystal shrimp, shrimp paste, and shrimp fat. The production costs per kilogram were as follows: medium-sized fermented mullet fish at 263.15 THB, small-sized fermented mullet fish at 188.15 THB, crystal shrimp at 498.45 THB, shrimp fat at 146.99 THB, and shrimp paste at 87.25 THB. The break-even points were determined as follows: medium-sized fermented mullet fish at 1.36 kg (612 THB), small-sized fermented mullet fish at 1.56 kg (546 THB), shrimp fat at 3.32 kg (1,328 THB), crystal shrimp at 0.67 kg (502.50 THB), and shrimp paste at 6.55 kg (786 THB).
     The break-even quantity for crystal shrimp was the lowest, but in terms of value, shrimp fat had the lowest break-even value. The profit margins were as follows: medium-sized fermented mullet fish at 44%, small-sized fermented mullet fish at 49%, crystal shrimp at 34.66%, shrimp fat at 47%, and shrimp paste at 37.50%. The highest profit margin was from small-sized fermented mullet fish. For the highest profit and lowest break-even value, shrimp fat production was recommended, while crystal shrimp offered the lowest break-even quantity. The results assist community members in understanding production costs and guide in optimizing income or profits.
     The evaluation revealed that 75% of participants were females aged 50 years or older, 65% had primary education, and 40% had an income of 4,000 THB or more. The average level of knowledge and understanding was 4.3, with a standard deviation of 0.39. The satisfaction level with the cost analysis and profit planning information was rated highest, with an average of 4.77 and a standard deviation of 0.344.