The Upland Rice Supply Chain through the Application of the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) Model: A Case Study of Kanchanadit District, Surat Thani Province

Abstract

This study aimed to: 1) examine the operational structure of the upland rice supply chain in Kanchanadit District, Surat Thani Province by applying the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model;  2) assess the performance of the upland rice supply chain based on the SCOR framework; and 3) propose systematic guidelines for improving the upland rice supply chain. This research employed a qualitative approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 18 upland rice farmers and 4 production-support stakeholders, yielding a total of 22 informants. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis based on the SCOR model. The findings revealed that the upland rice supply chain faced significant constraints across all SCOR processes. Major issues included a lack of accurate production planning information, inconsistent quality of production inputs, non-standardized production practices, inefficient grading and delivery processes, and the absence of feedback mechanisms between buyers and producers. These challenges resulted in production losses and higher-than-necessary costs. Overall, the problems were strongly associated with incomplete information flows and insufficient coordination among supply chain stakeholders. Based on the performance assessment, the study proposed a three-phase improvement framework consisting of a foundational system development phase, an efficiency enhancement phase, and a sustainable development phase. The proposed guidelines emphasize the development of a centralized information system, the establishment of standardized production and delivery practices, farmer group integration, and the creation of stable market channels. This research provides a practical framework for enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of the upland rice supply chain at the community level and can be applied to other agricultural products in the future. Moreover, the study contributes new knowledge by demonstrating the application of the SCOR model in the context of upland rice cultivation intercropped with rubber plantations, which clearly reveals systemic bottlenecks and offers actionable development strategies at the community level.