Feasibility of Mangosteen Cultivation in Cha-Uat District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Abstract

This article aimed to: (1) study the general conditions of mangosteen production and marketing, and (2) analyze the financial feasibility of mangosteen cultivation. The study applied both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews with a total of 34 mangosteen farmers. Project analysis was employed to examine the general conditions of production and marketing. In addition, financial investment analysis tools were used to assess financial feasibility. The results of the study found that: (1) Production: In Cha-Uat District, the rain shadow effect allows mangosteen to produce off-season yields. Intercropping is also practiced to generate additional income alongside mangosteen. Furthermore, the Cha-Uat Model, which promotes farmer group cooperation, contributes to establishing production standards with secure market support. This model also serves as a learning hub for farmers both within and outside the area. (2) Marketing: In Cha-Uat District, there are three marketing channels: (1) selling at local collection points through local traders, (2) lump-sum orchard sales through buyers who make contracts directly with farmers, and (3) mangosteen auctions through farmer groups. (3) Financial Analysis: Two scenarios were considered: (1) mangosteen production distributed in-season and off-season at a 70:30 ratio, and (2) mangosteen production concentrated mainly in-season at a 90:10 ratio. In the 70:30 scenario, all three marketing channels were financially feasible, with farmer group sales being the most profitable. In the 90:10 scenario, only the farmer group sales channel was financially feasible and profitable.