Author : Suwisar Ketin

Summary : Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) in Thailand involved farm management practices such that application of the inorganic fertilizers and pesticides are minimized, among others. This is to assure the export market of food safety. Farmers attend a GAP training to learn about it. For purposes of policy, it is important to understand the economic benefit of GAP to the farmers. This study was conducted to compare yields, profits, and prices received by GAP (those who attended training) and non-GAP (those who did not attended training) mangosteen farmers. Mangosteen was of interest because of its export market potential. It also attempted to determine and compare the technical efficiency between GAP user and non-GAP users, and identify the factors affecting technical efficiency of mangosteen farmers in Rayong province, Thailand. Results of the comparative analysis of yields and net benefits showed that the mean yield and net farm incomes obtained from GAP farms were significantly higher than those of non-GAP farms. The price of mangosteen from GAP farms was also higher than those from non-GAP farms because of the higher fruit quality as a result of the application of GAP knowledge by the trained farmers. Furthermore , GAP farms had lower input cost than those of non-GAP farms because of lower amount of input use. GAP farmers needed to control chemical residue rate in mangosteen and pollution of their farms as required. The results of the study support the program of Thai government to conduct more GAP training farmers benefit from this. More study on the impact of GAP on food safety and the environment could also strengthen further the justification for promoting GAP in Thailand.