Rice Logistics and Supply Chain Management in Nakhon Ratchasima Province: Current Situation, Relations, Problems and Development Guidelines

Abstract

The purposes of this research were to study the current situation and the relations of stakeholders in the rice supply chain; to analyze the problems, threats for providing suggestions, development guidelines on rice logistics and supply chain in Nakhon Ratchasima. The target groups were rice’s experts in each sector in Nakhon Ratchasima. Data collection methods were secondary data, open ended question, in-depth interviewing, focus group and seminar. The results showed that Nakhon Ratchasima province grown rice about 4.10 million rais, 198,918 farmer’s household, harvested area 3.16 million rais, average yield 429.76 kg/rais, overall yield 1.36 million tons. The way of rice production in Nakhon Ratchasima was changed from growing for household consumption to grow for commercial. Rice logistics and supply chain systems consisted of four main processes that were planning, procurement, production and transportation through 13 logistics
activities. The relations of stakeholders divided into three levels: upstream, midstream and downstream. The problems and threats of the rice supply chain were inappropriate environment; lack of production and harvest plans; poor quality of yields; lack of markets for high quality rice such as organic rice, GI rice, etc.; implications of information; higher standard of rice in foreign market; underpricing in the world market; uncovered supports from the government; persistence in traditional concept of farming. Suggestions and development guidelines were divided into four main issues: plant area and yield volume management; development and optimization of grain production; development of rice quality and adding value to rice product; and strengthening of farmer and farmer community.