The Management of the Mangosteen Supply Chain in Langsuan District, Chumphon Province.

Abstract

The objectives of this research are: 1) to study the structural connectivity of the mangosteen supply chain in Lang Suan District, Chumphon Province, from farmers to end consumers, and 2) to examine the operational potential within the mangosteen supply chain in Lang Suan District, Chumphon Province. This qualitative research employs phenomenological research methods to study the phenomenon of the mangosteen supply chain management system. In-depth interviews and non-participant observation were conducted with mangosteen farmers and stakeholders within the mangosteen supply chain.
The study found that the supply chain for mangosteen producers differs between individual and group enterprises. Individual producers typically sell their mangosteen directly to local intermediaries who grade the fruit and sell it to domestic wholesale and retail markets. Group producers, often organized as community enterprises, plan their production according to the demands of export companies. Regarding production operations, most farmers grow mangosteen in upland areas with loamy soil, using local varieties. They often interplant mangosteen with other crops and use chemicals, organic, compost, and bio-fertilizers, applying them every two months. Weed control is done manually with hoes, using lawnmowers, and applying herbicides. Harvesting occurs once a year from May to October, with labor hired to pick, grade, trim, clean, and sell the mangosteen daily.