ECONOMICS AND MARKETING OF EUCALYPTUS CAMALDULENSIS PLANTATION IN KHON KAEN PROVINCE

Abstract

The study is aimed at investigating the production, marketing and return from growing Eucalyptus camaldulensis plantation in Khon Kaen province. The results showed that majority E. camaldulensis growers are farmers (76 %). The most growers receive extension services, advises in planting, tending and marketing activities of E camaldulensis timber from Phoenix Pulp and Paper Company Limited and Royal Forest Department officers (72 %). The most common practice in plantation establishment is monoculture (80 %) with 3-year rotation (52 %). Spacing used are 2 x 2 meter for monoculture and 3 x 3 meter for agroforestry system. The E. camaldulensis wood were sold out at Phoenix Co., (55.55 %) and through middlemen (44.44 %). E. camaldulensis timber prices are determined by Phoenix Co., (51.85 %) and bargaining between the middlemen and grower (22.22 %). There are 3 selling methods: priced by weight (706 Baht per ton), priced by area (3,479 Baht per rai) and priced per stem (35 Baht per stem). The cost-benefit analysis technique was employed to evaluate the achievement of the investment. At the given discount rates of 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 percent. The benefit-cost ratios for growers bring E. camaldulensis wood to sell at buying sources were 1.81, 1.77, 1.73, 1.69 and 1.65 respectively. Moreover, the net present value were 3,188.01, 2,847.40, 2,544.80, 2,277.28 and 2,034.58 Baht per rai respectively, and internal rate of return was 85.37 percent. For the trades of E. camaldulensis wood through middlemen, the benefit-cost ratios were 1.61, 1.54, 1.46, 1.40 and 1.33. whereas net present value were 1,111.64, 937.79, 784.29. 649.24 and 529.44 Baht per rai respectively and internal rate of return was 38.40 percent.