Buffalo supply chain in Tambon Tha Muang, Amphoe Selaphum, Roi Et province for sustainable utilization and conservation

Abstract

Abstract

           This study aims to examine the interactions involved in the management processes of the buffalo production supply chain in Tha Muang Subdistrict, Selaphum District, Roi Et Province, with a focus on sustainable utilization and conservation. The sample population was 28 buffalo farmers in Tambon Tha Muang, Amphoe Selaphum, Roi Et Province. This study employed structured interviews as the primary method of data collection, wherein a predetermined set of questions was used to gather information systematically. The collected data was analyzed based on defined themes or key topics, revealing significant findings aligned with the research objectives. The results of the study found that the supply chain process begins with the production of buffalo claves upstream. Small-scale farmers primarily raise Thai swamp buffalo or crossbred buffalo using free-range farming methods, supplemented by mineral feeds. Farmers fatten and sell the buffalo and mainly use the animal manure. Most of the buffaloes in the upstream supply chain are generated through trading between farmers in the nearby areas through a collection process by local traders who purchase the buffaloes from farms or farmers' houses to be sold at cattle and buffalo markets. And if it is a small buffalo or a young age, it will enter the purchasing process and be further fattened before being sent to a middleman to sell again. If it is a large buffalo that is old and suitable to be processed or sold as buffalo meat, it will be sent directly to a slaughterhouse trader, which enters the midstream supply chain. After that, the traders who run the slaughterhouse business will send the buffalo meat to the fresh market in the north where buffalo meat is popularly consumed. Some buffaloes are sold in border markets to consumers and buffalo farmers abroad. The supply chain problems of the buffalo business in Tambon Tha Muang were identified as a lack of planning, insufficient production knowledge, absence of clear goals, and relatively low demand for local consumption. The management system is a separate operation. This results in low returns. Therefore, the supply chain for buffalo farmers should be developed, which includes joint planning, clear farming goals, and indicating production trends along with providing knowledge on production. This includes organizing farming into groups to develop both individual and collective buffalo farming practices, enabling members to earn higher incomes than before. In terms of marketing, farmers must be able to access information, especially in foreign markets where there is a high demand for buffalo meat, such as Laos, Vietnam, and China. The government should set guidelines for developing buffalo production in terms of preserving buffalo breeds, improving quality, reducing trade costs, and promoting buffalo production and exports