Cost and Return of Palian Pepper Cultivation in Palian District, Trang Province

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study Palian pepper cultivation system, cost and return. The goal was to benefit planning efforts for promoting the cultivation of Palian pepper in Palian district, Trang province, and other areas with similar physical, economic, and social characteristics, to advance their agricultural development. Data were gathered through interviews. This research enlisted the participation of 21 particular farmer target groups. The collected data were analyzed using basic descriptive statistics such as percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The research results revealed that the majority of farmers were female, with an average age of 55.33 years. Most had completed a Bachelor's degree or higher. The average household had 3.61 members, with 1.95 members involved in agriculture. The average monthly income was 18,095.23 Baht, and the average household debt was 374,117.64 Baht. The majority of the farmers were members of the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC). They received agricultural news from television and followed agricultural news daily. Regarding the Palian pepper variety planting system, it was found that farmers had an average of 2.57 years of experience in growing peppers. They had an average total landholding of 10.52 rai, with 1.71 rai dedicated to pepper cultivation. The initial seed source came from within the village, and the peppers were primarily grown for sale. However, the farmers had never received training on pepper cultivation. The planting method was monoculture, using cuttings for propagation. They used concrete poles for support, planting at a distance of 2x2 meters, with an average of 1.85 plants per pole. Groundwater was used for irrigation, and no soil nutrient analysis was conducted. Organic fertilizer was mostly used. The first harvest occurred an average of 13.50 months after planting, with subsequent harvests occurring every 3.50 months on average. Initial expenses on farm input to set up the new plot (less than 1 year old) was averaged at 85,565.48 Baht per rai. The average yield after the first harvest (1 year or older) was 127.50 kilograms of dried peppers per rai. The average selling price was 400 Baht per kilogram, resulting in an average product value of 48,640.00 Baht per rai. The average variable cost was 2,123.59 Baht per rai, and the average fixed cost was 2.17 Baht per rai. The average net income was 46,948.00 Baht per rai, and the average net profit was 46,911.00 Baht per rai.  Despite the lower dry yield of the Palian pepper variety compared to other varieties like the Salawak in Chanthaburi and Rayong provinces, farmers received relatively better prices than in other areas. They also used production factors, especially fertilizers, focusing on organic fertilizers which were cheaper than chemical fertilizers and ensured consumer safety. Therefore, promoting peppers production should focus on reducing costs and enhancing farmers’ knowledge of scientific production principles to address the problems they face.