Production systems, marketing, and extension strategies of sweet tamarind farmers in a large-scale farming group in Phakdi Chumphon District, Chaiyaphum Province

Abstract

This study aimed to: (1) describe the production and marketing systems of sweet tamarind among members of the large-scale sweet tamarind farmer group in Phakdi Chumphon District, Chaiyaphum Province; and (2) propose appropriate extension strategies for sweet tamarind production that are suited to the local context. Data on sweet tamarind production were collected between May and September 2025 through structured interviews and focus group discussions with 30 members of the large-scale sweet tamarind farmer group in Chao Thong Subdistrict. The results showed that most farmers were female, with an average age of 58.43 years. The majority had completed primary education, and their average experience in sweet tamarind cultivation was 12.77 years. The sweet tamarind production system in Phakdi Chumphon District is primarily based on fresh pod production, with an average yield of 770.83 kg/rai. The marketing system is mainly characterized by sales through middlemen, with prices depending on the quantity and quality of produce, averaging between 50 and 120 THB/kilogram. The average net return was 32,456 THB/rai. The major production constraints included a lack of systematic planning and appropriate pest and disease management, rising production costs, high processing costs with relatively low returns, price suppression by middlemen, and the absence of household accounting practices. Key extension strategies for sweet tamarind production in Phakdi Chumphon District include: short-term strategies focusing on cost reduction and improving production efficiency; medium-term strategies emphasizing value-added processing and product differentiation; and long-term strategies aimed at enhancing the sustainability of the production and marketing systems, as well as strengthening the image and credibility of Phakdi Chumphon sweet tamarind in high-value markets.