Ma Muang Din Iad Pa Po: Saline Soil Khiew Sawoey Mango Production and Marketing of Pa Po Sub-district, Ban Phai District, Khon Kaen Province: An Initial Study

Abstract

         Ma Muang Din Iad Pa Po (MMDIPP) was saline soil mango, or a mango grown in saline soil areas at Pa Po sub-district, Ban Phai district, Khon Kaen province.  Most farmers grow the Khiaw Sawoey variety of mango (KSWM). With such specific characteristics of mango, the initial study was conducted on the production and marketing of MMDIPP between July to November 2022. This study found that (1) Production: Due to the saline soil pH 5.5-6.5 being an obstacle in growing crops, in 1987 four pioneer farmers were growing KKSWM in the saline soil area, it found the KKSWM that were able to yield, and the products had a unique flavor. The currently, more than 400 farmers are farming MMDIPP, with an area of over 3,200 rai, an average production of 4,700 tons per year, and a market value of more than 100 million Thai Baht per year. Farmers' production includes both off-season during June-January and on-season during December-April. The production in the off-season was more meticulous than on-season because off-season products give better income returns. However, if production in the off-season is unsuccessful, the farmers will be continuously MMDIPP production to ensure on-seasonal yields. The produce (80% mature fruit) was graded before trading, which can be classified into 6 grades, including (a) large, beautiful (b) medium, beautiful (c) small, beautiful (d) mini, beautiful (e) big, stripe (f) small, stripe, and (g) mixed sizes. (2) Marketing: it was found that 3 types: (2.1) sold to the purchasing collector for export which among 78 percent of the total production (2.2) sold at the farm to middlemen and retailers and (2.3) sold directly to consumers through roadside shops, all three types of market they were a value of approximately 80, 15, and 5 million Thai Baht per year, respectively. Therefore, with the uniqueness of MMDIPP and its economic value of over 100 million Thai Baht per year, if there is continuous support from the sector The part involved in elevating the MMDIPP to be a geographic indication (GI) product as well as promoting and development related of MMDIPP supply chains.