COST AND RETURN OF EUCALYPTUS PLANTATION THROUGH AGROFORESTRY AND NON-AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS

Abstract

A comparative analysis on cost and return of Eucalyptus camaldulensis plantation. done through agroforestry having maize as an intercrop and non-agroforestry systems was carried out in 1986 at Thong Papoom and Ong Pra Plantations of Forest Industry Organization in Kanchanaburi and Supunburi Provinces, respectively. The rotation age of Eucalyptas concerned was 5 years. The results showed that cost of agroforestry system was lower than that of the traditional plantation system. The average cost per hectare (6.25 rai) of Eucalyptus plantation intercropped with maize was US $ 646.48 (1 $ = 25 Baht) having an internal rate of return of 43.44 percent. Meanwhile, the average per hectare of traditional system was US $ 712.23 with IRR of 25.00 percent. People participation was considered to be a major factor affecting the stability of agroforestry system. A source of income gained only from intercropping products might be inadequate for living resulting the farmer return to shifting cultivation again. Thus, appropriated sharing benefit on planted trees should be made between farmers and the state enterprise.