CABBAGE PRODUCTION IN THE VICINITY OF MAE HO MAE SARIANG DISTRICT, NORTHWESTERN THAILAND

Abstract

Production of cabbage (Brasica oleracea var, capitata) is flourished in Amphur Mae Sariang, Changwat Mae Hongson. The center of production is around Ban Mae Ho Hua, a resettlement area under the administration of the Mae Hongson Tribal Development and Welfare Center. The Mae Ho vicinity has advantage over other parts of the country in growing cabbage during rainy season, it possesses rapid drainage of rain water and cool temperature, use of cattle manure and vertical draining ditches are practised, The cabbage planting area may be as large as 608 ha.

People involved in production process are landowners who are local Karens and northern Thais; laborers who are mainly Karens; land renters, green-buyers and wholesale traders who may come as far as Bangkok, The principal shares of profit flow to Bangkok and Chiang Mai for farm supplies, contributions to local economy are small.

There are apparent environmental impacts of cabbage cultivation in the vicinity, i.e.,higher soil erosion, water runoff and probable expansion of pests and diseases. Failure of cabbage production in Pine Camp, Pitsanuloke is a reminder.

Folicy issues in this area, as well as many others in the same situation, is to reduce conflicts among land users which comprise the local Karens and northern Thais, new immigrants from other provinces, and government agencies. The land policy is to coordinate uses by both public and private sectors, If the hilly areas suitable as forest lands are protected, cabbage production may continue while soil conservation measures are introduced.