The Study of Production and Marketing of Hom in Phrae Province

Abstract

     The purpose of this research was to study the cost and the return of Hom production and to analyze the market channel and market margin of concerned farmers, farmer groups/community enterprise groups, entrepreneurs, and producers. This study collected obstacles and aspects from the sampling interviewing of 85 Hom farmers in Phrae Province, 5 groups of farmers/ community enterprise groups, and 14 entrepreneurs. The primary data and secondary data were analyzed in quantitative and qualitative analysis. The result of the study in the cost and the return of each cultivation period found that there was a high cost during the first-year production to compare other periods. The return of production during 2-6 years was not much different and in addition to the return of production during 4 years is highest return per Rai to compare the other period of production. Refer to the comparison of all periods, this study reflected that Hom cultivation in Phrae Province is worthy for investment. The result of the study in market channel of Hom in Phrae Province showed that most of farmers sold their products to group of farmers. A small number of products were sold to the local merchant then the products were processed in different designs to sell in the store and online website to customers.  The result of the study in market margin of Hom in Phrae Province presented the entrepreneurs was the group who received highest return in market margin because of the relatively high profit from yarn sales which is high profit-making process. The preparation of the dye preparation was the most important process, there were different components and proportions as well as different yarn-dyeing techniques. As a result of these complicated processes, the yarn-dyed with Hom has been a high price. The results of the study reflected that in terms of production, cultivation and productivity of farmers were insufficient and not met standard. Moreover, the farmers lacked of cultivation and processing knowledge. Therefore, agencies in the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives Government and involved private sectors must get involve in participatory to support, promote and strengthen farmer groups from the beginning to the end of business in all 4 areas; 1) the promotion of planting 2) production and processing 3) marketing and 4) tourism to support sustainability and to continuously promote the identity of natural dyes and was driven according to the provincial development guidelines.