| Abstract: |
| Thailand is the largest producer of natural rubber (NR) in the world; most (93%) of the rubber in the country is produced by smallholder farmers. Rubber agroforestry is commonly practiced and involves mixing rubber with other food, fruit and timber crops. The practice increases farm household income and also in line with the current policy of promoting biodiversity in rubber plantations. A study, through questionnaire survey, was carried out to examine the economic performance of existing mixed systems and to identify possible strategic development in future.
The main food crops grown with rubber are pineapple, rice, maize and vegetables grown during the initial unproductive period of rubber, i.e. up to 3 years. In the fruit mixed system, guava, durian, Salacca, Gnetum, mangosteen and Longkong are mixed with rubber. Timber species such as Neem and Teak are also commonly planted in rubber plantations.
In the Thailand context rubber with pineapple has the highest economic return but it requires more farm. Rubber-banana mixture is also very profitable. Rubber-chilli combination is less efficient due to diseases and intensive management required. Among rubber-fruit combinations, rubber-Salacca showed the highest net income but requires more farm input. Guava and Gnetum mixtures are also profitable due to low cost of production and management. Smallholder farmers practicing mixed farming were generally satisfied with their systems; but many wanted higher income and ability to save more. Regarding increasing profitability from mixed systems, it is suggested that the Thai government should assist with (1) credit and price insurance; (2) training and technology for disease and pest control; and (3) improved transportation system. A system of labour sharing will reduce acute labor shortage during peak seasons while strengthened farmer institutions may help in negotiation for better price of rubber and other commodities. |
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