Local Identity of Economic Crop Plantation in Pathumthani Province: Towards Geographically Indicated Products in 2020

Abstract

Lifting grooves surrounded by ditches in planting Hom Thong banana has become a significant marker of local identity, mentioned as one of the factors that influence the unique quality of “Hom Thong Pa-Thum Banana”. It is announced by the Department of Intellectual Property in March 2020 as the first geographical indication (GI) product of Pathunthani Province (GI163). This local identity was fisrt established in 1957 according to the topography and the arrangement of tangerine plantation. A few decades later, the Hom Thong banana has been introduced to replace the tangerine’s grooves, however, price decreases have also occurred with the Hom Thong banana. The situations of banana plantations in Nong Suea District, the largest area of Hom Thong banana production in Thailand were focused on in this study using satellite imagery and field surveys. In 2017, around 14,500 rai of Hom Thong banana were cultivated in Nong Suea and its extent has reduced in later years. In addition, many of the existing plots were incorporated with other cash crops for securing their income because lower demand and market price of Hom Thong banana. Recent planting situation has been established under the GI standard of Hom Thong Pa-Thum banana. The GI relevant agencies should consider arranging a training course for farmers on Hom Thong Pa-Thum banana production as the high standard and famous GI product of Pathumthani. Setting price guarantee and finding new market channels will build up the “Hom Thong    Pa-Thum Banana”.