THE STUDY OF PROBLEMS AND NEEDS FOR MAK MAO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IN SAKON NAKHON PROVINCE

Abstract

The purposes of this research were to study the condition of problems and needs for Mak Mao business system development in Sakon Nakhon Province. 44 informants consisted of 20 farmers, 7 processors, 3 distributors, 5 support agencies, and 9 executive directors of Sakon Nakhon Mak Mao Association. The research tools were a structured interview form and a group discussion form. The collected data was analysed for content analysis. The research findings on the problem condition were as follows: 1) Production, it was found that the yield of Mak Mao was uncertain which depended on the weather conditions (quite a high variance). It required especially skilled workers to harvest the produce due to Mak Mao’s height and brittle branches. There was a problem with pests during the first 3 years of planting. In addition, there was no information about appropriate species of Mak Mao for planting in each area. 2) Product processing, it was found that processors lacked modern equipment, which limits their ability to produce a wide variety of products, and also sufficient working capital sources. In addition, it was affected by the beverage tax from government policies. 3) Marketing, there was still lack of broad public relations and marketing channels. The distribution of goods had effective transportation problems, especially Mak Mao would be damaged during transportation. 4) Supporting from government agencies, it was found that there was no continuity and no policy to support the budget for the development of Mak Mao entrepreneurs seriously. The research findings on the need for the development of the Mak Mao business system were as follows: 1) Production, it was found that growers wanted to develop an efficient production system and needed knowledge in terms of quality product management. 2) Product processing, it was found that processors needed low-interest working capital for business operations and needed research and development supplement food of Mak Mao as supplement food including a need for regulation relief for small-scale entrepreneurs. 3) Marketing, it was found that farmers or processors wanted to have exact markets or purchasing source and wanted to push Geographical Indication products from Mak Mao to have higher prices than general products; and 4) Support from government agencies, it was found that there was a need for the government agencies to work continuously in solving joint problems, especially to establish demonstration plots in order to learn or solve problems together at different parts of Sakon Nakhon Province.