Fresh tomato production system of farmers in Northeastern region of Thailand

Abstract

This study aims to explain the production and marketing system of fresh tomatoes in Northeastern region of Thailand and identify problems and propose guidelines for promoting tomato production for farmers in the Northeast. The data were collected by using semi-structured interviews from 53 fresh tomato farmers in 6 provinces, including Khon Kaen, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon and Nakhon Ratchasima. Data were analyzed by using content analysis, classification and summarize the issues into categories. The results found that fresh tomato production in the Northeast can be divided into 2 main systems according to the distribution channels, including systems that are sold to factories as contract farming and no contract and systems that are sold in other channels. Farmers grow a total of 21 varieties of tomatoes, which can be divided into 3 groups: peach tomatoes, seed tomato and cherry tomatoes. The tomato is planted during November to June. It is distributed through 4 channels: wholesale market, local market, factories, and online channels. Tomato generates  approximately 7,500-74,000 baht/rai depending on the variety and management. The production of fresh tomatoes had problems in the supply of production materials, land preparation, mutation and marketing. Propose guidelines for promoting tomato production are develop tomato varieties to meet the needs of farmers and consumers, find cooperation between agencies to develop tomato varieties to be resistant to insect diseases, providing knowledge on various subjects such as conversion management, safe use of fertilizers and chemicals and planning production with farmers in order to have produce in accordance with the market demand.