Supply chain of Melientha suavis Pierre in Kanchanburi

Abstract

Melientha suavis Pierre is a popular vegetable in Kanchanaburi Province. The most edible favorite part is the young top because of sweetness, crispness and rancidity. In past, they were only collected from natural sources but at present they have been grown for trade in order to supply consumers’ needs. The objectives of this research were to investigate supply chain management of Melientha suavis Pierre from upstream to downstream and to determine obstacles in supply chain. Data were collected from 120 specific people who related with this vegetable in Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi Province were farmer, harvester, wholesaler, retailer and customer. The results showed that the levels of Melientha suavis Pierre supply chains were basic supply chain and extended supply chain. The Melientha suavis Pierre supply chain for trade was managed in postharvest managements from the midstream and downstream. On the other hand, Melientha suavis Pierre from nature presented obstacles since the upstream until the midstream at medium levels (2.89+0.81 and 3.36+0.78). Including, the obstacle from the downstream pointed at the highest level (4.24+0.57). The most problems in postharvest supply chain were losing quality loss during distribution and short shelf life. Therefore, the next research should study the effective to economy and the healthy.