Fresh Tomato Production of Small-Scale Farmers Along Mekong River in Northeastern Region of Thailand

Abstract

This research aims to study tomato production and needs of tomato growers along Mekong river in the Northeastern region of Thailandin 5 districts which are Mueang Nakhon Phanom, That Phanom, Ban Phaeng, Mueang Nongkhai, and Mueang Bueng Kan. Data were collected by using the structured interviews with 150 farmers in the production year 2019, and were analyzed by descriptive statistics which are frequency, percentage, standard deviation, average, max, and min. The results showed that most of the farmers were female Their average ages are 54.35 years old. They graduated in primary school. The average tomato planting area is 3.10 rai their average incomes from tomato planting is 62,806.67 baht per year. Farmers planted 13 varieties of tomatoes, which the most popular are Thep Pratan, Phet Chomphoo, and Phet Rung. The farmers buy seeds from middlemen to replant them in the same area. ,Planting period are September - October. Most of them are planted in a single row, with no stumps and no pruning. The average harvest age of tomatoes is 82.74 days, which is in January. The average yield is 5,890.87 kg/rai. Most growers sold tomato as wholesale to middlemen outside the village. And most of them want to grow pesticide residue free tomatoes because it is good for consumers’ health, they want to reduce the use of chemicals and reduce production costs.