Production and marketing management of cricket farm in KhonKaen, Kalasin and Maha Sarakham provinces

Abstract

This research aimed to study the production management, costs and returns of cricket farming, and marketing channels of cricket products in Khon Kaen, Kalasin, and Maha Sarakham Provinces. The data was collected from 60 cricket farmers divided into two groups: 1) 32 cricket farmers using commercial chicken feed as the main source of feeding (Type 1), and 28 cricket farmers using commercial chicken feed and vegetables as the main sources of feeding (Type 2); and 9 sellers who bought the crickets directly from the farmers. The results of the study found that most of the farmers preferred to breed common crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus De Geer). According to the cricket production, the study found that cricket farming would have high yields in the summer period (May-July) because of good weather conditions. According to the cost of production, the study found that the total cost of production for Type 1 cricket farming was 94.1 baht per kilogram. The cricket farmers received 25.9 baht per kilogram in profit. The return over the cash cost per kilogram was 53.83 baht. The total cost of production for Type 2 cricket farming was 73.0 baht per kilogram; and the farmers received the profit per kilogram of around 51.00 baht, and the return over the cash cost per kilogram was 75.44 baht. When testing for significant differences between Type 1 and Type 2 on the average total cost of cricket production, we found that there were significant differences in statistics between the two groups (P < 0.05).