Export Okra Thai Baseline Report

Baseline Survey
Export Okra Production in Thailand
A report of the baseline survey on export okra production in Thailand
By:
Tattanakorn Moekchantuk
&
Prabhat Kumar
Inter-country Programme for Vegetable IPM in South & SE Asia Phase II

(FNPP/GLO/002/NET & GCP/RAS/191/AUL)
Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
June 2004
Baseline Survey on export okra production in Thailand
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
Table of content 2
List of tables, maps, figures and annexes 3
Chapter I : Background
1 Background 5
1.1 Okra Production on world basis at a glance 5
1.2 Okra production in Thailand 6
1.3 Export okra production in Thailand 6
Chapter II: Survey Rationale, Methods and Data Analysis
2.1 Rationale of the Survey 11

2.2 Method of Survey 11
2.3 Data Analysis 11
Chapter III: Major Survey Findings
3.1 General findings 13

3.2 Field Preparation 14
3.3 Issues with seeds 15
3.4 Irrigation, Weeding, Fertilization and after care issues 15
3.5 Issues with Insect-pest and diseases in okra 16
3.6 Plant Protection issues in export okra production 18
3.7 Harvesting, Grading and Packaging of export okra production 19
3.8 Economics of export okra production 19
3.9 Gender issues in okra cultivation 20
3.10 Other issues 21
Chapter IV: Conclusions and Recommendations
4.1: Conclusions 24
4.2: Recommendations 25
Acknowledgement 27
References 28
Page 2
LIST OF, TABLES, MAPS, FIGURES & ANNEXES

Page no.
List of tables
Table 1: Total growing area (rai) and yield (tons) of Okra 6

Table 2: Quantity and Value of Okra export (1998 – 2002) 7
Table 3: List of commonly occurring insect-pests on okra 17
Table 4: List of commonly occurring natural enemies in okra 17
Table 5: List of commonly occurring diseases on okra 17
Table 6: Commonly used insecticide (Chemical & Biological) against okra insect-pests 18
Table: 7: Labour distribution in okra production (% responses) 20
List of maps
Map 1: Major Okra growing provinces in Thailand 9

List of figures
Fig 1: Major Okra growing countries in world (FAOSTAT, 2001) 5

Fig 2.: Okra area harvested worldwide (FAOSTAT, 2001) 5
Fig 3: Productivity (Kg./ha) of major okra growing countries in world (FAOSTAT, 2001) 6
Fig 4: Major okra growing provinces in Thailand (tons), DoAE, 2002 7
Fig 5: Major consumptions channels of okra in Thailand, DoAE, 2002 8
Fig 6: % market share of fresh Thai Okra; DoAE, 2002 8
Fig 7: % market share of frozen Thai okra 8
Fig 8: % of male and female okra growers 13
Fig 9: Education level of farmers 13
Fig 10: Okra farm type 13
Fig 11: Irrigation source 13
Fig 12: % Lime-user farmers 14
Fig 13: Choice of Crops other then Okra 14
Fig 14: Reasons of growing other crop in Okra field 14
Fig 15: % Farmers doing seed-germination test 15
Fig 16: % Farmers Fungicide seed treatment 15
Fig 17: Pesticide source for okra farmers 19
Fig 18: Frequency of pesticide spray 19
Fig 19: Average cost and benefits from a rai of export okra production 20
Fig 20: Farmer’s perception of major production constraints 21
Fig 21: % respondent keeping farm-records 21
Fig 22: Areas of interest of okra farmers in receiving more knowledge 22
Annexes
Annex 1: Survey Questionnaire 30

Annex 2: Cropping calendars of export okra production of Ratchaburi 37
Annex 3: Cropping calendars of export okra production of Kanchanburi 38
Annex 4: Cropping calendars of export okra production of Nonthaburi 39
Annex 5: Cropping calendars of export okra production of Nakhon Pathom 40
Annex 6: Common insect-pest and diseases of okra in Thailand 41
Annex 7: Common natural enemies of the okra crop in Thailand 43
Annex 8: Grading and sorting of fresh okra for export 45
Annex 9: Different production systems of okra 47
Page 3
CHAPTER I
BACKGROUND
Page 4
1. Background
1.1 Okra Production in the world
Okra is believed to have originated from Africa and is currently being grown in most sub-
tropical and tropical regions of the world. India, Pakistan, Iraq etc. are major okra growing
countries in the world (fig 1), area harvested (fig 2) and productivity (fig 3).
Fig 1: Major Okra growing countries in the world (FAOSTAT, 2001)
Fig 2: Okra area harvested worldwide (FAOSTAT, 2001)
Page 5
Fig 3: Productivity (Kg /ha) of major okra growing countries in the world (FAOSTAT, 2001)
1.2 Okra production in Thailand

Okra or Ladies Finger (Abelmoschus esculentus) is an important export vegetable crop
grown in northern, central and western provinces of Thailand. Majority of okra growers in
Thailand are contract farmers for the export companies, who in close collaboration with the
government extension agencies provide technical expertise to the farmers. The export
companies largely provide inputs (like seed, pesticides etc.) and buy back the fresh produce
from farmers. Export okra production is facing serious problem related to high levels of
pesticide residues leading to rejection of the okra from some key export markets.
1.3 Export Okra production in Thailand
Okra has been one of the important export vegetables cultivated in Thailand for the last
decade. It is mostly grown in western and central provinces of the country (Map 1). Local
Thai export companies have developed a network of contract growers in the western and
central parts of the country to meet the surging demand from the Japanese market. Lately,
small portions of the products started entering into the European and other markets as well.
During 2001-02, a total of 14,236 rai was planted with Okra in Thailand with a total produce
of 12,031 tons of okra. The area under cultivation of Okra has steadily increased during the
1998-2002 period (see Table 1).
Table 1: Total growing area (rai) and yield (tons) of Okra

Items 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-02
Area (rai) 3887 8522 10342 14236
Yield (tons) 6755 12211 9552 12031
Source: Vegetable group; DoAE, 2002
Page 6
Okra is exported in two forms: fresh and frozen. The export volume of Okra has slightly
increased from the 1998 level of 3,598 tons to 3,991 tons during 2002 after a decrease during
the year 2000. Quantity of the frozen okra export has steadily increased almost 10 fold during
this period from 188 tons to 1069 tons (Table 2) generating a revenue of 78 million baht.
Table 2: Quantity and Value of Okra export (1998 – 2002)

Year 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Fresh Quantity 3598 3000 2496 3328 3991
(Tons)
Value 317.3 201 148.3 253.2 350.0
(million
Baht)
Frozen Quantity 188 581 462 892 1069
(Tons)
Value 13.0 34.0 34.8 60 78.0
(million
Baht)
Source: Vegetable group; DOAE (2002)
The Central provinces of Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Kanchnaburi, Nonthaburi, Nakhon

Ratchasima and Lopburi are major export okra growing provinces in Thailand (see Fig 4).
Other provinces that produce almost half of the total production cater chiefly to the domestic
market for local consumptions. Out of the total produced Okra, over half of the quantity of
8,459 tons are locally consumed and the rest is either exported as fresh or frozen (fig 5). Japan
is a major importer of fresh (98.5%) of the total exported Okra from Thailand (fig 6) as well
as of the frozen okra (94%). Frozen okra is exported to other countries as well like Australia,
Jordan, and USA in smaller quantities (fig.7). During recent years, export of okra from
Thailand started facing problems of high chemical residues and consequently rejection of the
exported produce by the key importing markets in Japan, Korea etc.
6000
Total Production (tons)
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
i
ri
s
ri
a
om
ur
ur
bu
er
bu
s im
pb
ab
th
th
ha
ha
Lo
an
ha
O
Pa
tc
nt
ch
tc
Ra
No
on
Ra
rn
kh
Ka
on
Na
kh
Na
Fig 4: Major okra growing provinces in Thailand (tons), DoAE, 2002
Page 7
9000
8000
7000
6000
Quantity (tons)
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
Fresh Export Frozen for export Local Consumption
Fig.5: Major consumptions channels of okra in Thailand; DoAE, 2002
100
% Share of fresh okra export
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Japan Others
Fig 6: percentage market share of fresh Thai Okra; DoAE, 2002
100
% Share of Frozen Okra export
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Japan Australia Jordan USA Others
Fig 7: Percentage market share of frozen Thai okra
Page 8
Thailand W E
KANCHANABURI
NAKHON RATCHASIMA
RATCHABURI NONTHABURI
PATHUM THANI
NAKHON PATHOM
Map 1: Major Export Okra growing Provinces in Thailand
Page 9
CHAPTER II
Survey Rationale, Methods & Data Analysis
Page 10
2.1 Rationale of the Survey
The export okra production has witnessed the rejection of the produce from key Japanese and
other export markets because of pesticide residue levels exceeding the Maximum Residue
Levels (MRL). Such rejection of exported okra produce has had serious economic and social
implications to the export okra growers in Thailand.
The export okra production system largely depends on the inputs and technical backstopping
provided by the export companies. The system of export okra production (contract farming) is
radically different from okra production for the domestic market. Given the recent substantial
growth in international trade of vegetables and ‘contract growing’ becoming the most
dominant export production system, it is important for FAO and the Thai Government to
better understand production and protection problems in export contract farming situations.
A baseline survey on current production methods with details on each aspects of okra
production was conducted among contract farmers within several central provinces in
Thailand. In addition, an informal survey of the export companies was carried out to better
understand their perspective of export okra production, their marketing practices and other
related issues. Consequently, these survey findings could help to develop and plan for any
future extension or farmer education intervention to provide ecological compatible production
and plant protection options to the export okra farmers in Thailand.
2.2 Method of survey and sources of information
A total of twenty-two (22) export okra growing farmers from four western and central
provinces (Nakhon Pathom, Kanchnaburi, Ratchaburi and Nonthaburi) were surveyed using a
set questionnaire (Annex -1). Based on the collected information, cropping calendars were
developed, where each farm activity e.g. soil preparation to final harvesting was listed on a
time-axis for each surveyed province (annex 2, 3, 4 & 5). In addition, group discussions were
organised with farmer groups to re-validate the collected data and learn about any emerging
issues and problems related to okra cultivation.
The extension staff and managers of the export companies, who are engaged in procuring and
promoting export okra cultivation in these provinces, were consulted during the pre-survey
phase. This helped to design inputs for the baseline survey. This process of consultation
started in the July 2003 and continued until January 2004. The information so obtained was
recorded for analysis and interpretation. Other relevant information was collected from the
Vegetable section, DoAE (Dept. of Agricultural Extension) in Bangkok. Appropriate
references on vegetables in Thailand were checked and relevant portions were incorporated in
this document.
2.3 Data Analysis
The quantitative information gathered through the interviews was entered (on province-level)
into a data-base. Finally, the information was entered into the SPSS software (SPSS ver.
11.0). Frequency, mean and standard deviation of quantitative data were calculated and
expressed in terms of percentage for the purpose of plotting graphs for this document. Trends
were obtained for major farm practices related to export okra production for further
interpretation of the data. The trends that so emerged, combined with field verification and
follow-up intensive discussions with farmers, were then used as basis for the write up of this
survey.
Page 11
Chapter III
Findings from the Survey
Page 12
3.1 General findings
Export okra is by and large grown by members of a family unit with an average family size of
5 members. Sixty-eight (68) % of the interviewed farmers were male (fig 8) in the age group
of 24-66 years and they own 2-3 rai of land (range: 1- 60 rai). For these small land holders,
okra production occupied more than 70% of the owned land. A majority of farmers were
under 45 years of age. More then 60% of the farmers had a primary school education and
some (4%) had a university education (fig 9).
80
70
70
60
60
50
50
40
40
30
30
20 20
Percent (%)
Percent
10 10
0
0
Female Male
Primary School High School University
Elementary College
Sex
Fig8: Percentage of male & female okra growers Fig 9: Education level of farmers
60 100
50
Fig 10: Okra farm type 80 Fig 11: Irrigation source
40
60
30
40
20
20
Percent (%)
10
Percent
0
0
Low Land (Leveling) Irrigation Public well Y our own well
Flat land
Low land (Ditch & Dike)
Water sources
Fig 10: Okra farm types Fig 11: Irrigation sources
An equal percentage of the flat-levelled low land and low land with ditch and dikes are the
major okra growing land types used by export growers (fig 10). For more details on different
production systems, please see attached annex – 8. Canal irrigation is the major source of
irrigation for okra cultivation (80%). The rest of the farmers use their own well and public
well for irrigation purposes (fig. 11).
Page 13
Over 50% of the interviewed farmers had 2-5 years experience in growing okra. Okra is
harvested daily in the morning. After harvesting farmers carry the okra to a DoAE sub-district
technology transfer centre or house of the farmer leader for further grading the products. The
distance from the okra farm to such a common place varied from 0.5-16 km with average
distance of 3-4 km.
3.2 Field Preparation
Okra for export is grown year-round with slightly less acreage during the May to July period.
Two-weeks before the seed sowing fields are ploughed and harrowed, once or twice
depending on soil types. Normally, okra farmers plough the land at the average depth of 25
cm. The cost of ploughing varies from 250-1,200 Baht/rai with an average cost of 550 Baht
/rai. Similarly, the average cost of harrowing was also in the range of 250-450 Baht/rai. It is a
common practice among farmers to provide pre-sowing irrigation for better facilitation of the
seed-germination. Soil amendments like lime applications are practiced by 70% of the farmers
(fig 12).
70 60
50
60
40
50
30
40
20
30 10
Percent
Percent
0
20 No Yes
No Yes
grow other crop in the same land
Use of lime
Fig 12: % Lime-user farmers Fig 1 3: Choice of Crops other than Okra
As many as 50 % of the farmers grow okra as a mono-crop, while the other 50% of farmers
choose to grow other crops in the same field (Fig. 13). These other crops include basil,
Chinese kale, bean, yard long bean, corn, asparagus etc. The farmers’ perception of growing
other crops varies and many of them believe that growing other crops improves the soil and
facilitates disease management etc. (fig 14).
40
30
20
10
Percent (%)
0
Contorl disease short lif e cycle
f ast grow th Soil Improvement
Fig 14: Reasons of growing other crop in Okra field
Page 14
3.3 Issues with seed
Choice of seed is an important cultivation issue for the export okra farmers in all four
provinces. It is the usual practice in contract farming that the company provides them the seed
either as incentive (free of cost) or at costs. Five varieties of okra are widely grown in
Thailand: HIT 9701, VO 99047, Indian, Star Right and Early Five. The identities of seed
varieties and their origins were not very clear in some provinces and it seems that some
companies treat it as a trade secret. It was also observed that selection of a variety depends on
the market demand (number of ridges on fruit (5 or 7), colour of the fruit, shape, tenderness
and its mucilaginous (stickiness) rather then some other important production qualities like its
ability to tolerate and resist insect-pests and diseases etc.
The cost of seeds ranges from 1,800-2,000 Baht per kg and a rai of land needs 0.8-1.0 kg of
seed. Few (less than 3% of interviewed farmers) used more then 1.0 kg seed since they prefer
more plants/rai. Seed-germination generally is not perceived a problem. Generally, the
practice of pre-sowing irrigation ensures better germination.
A majority (over 70%) of farmers in all provinces do not practice a seed-germination test
(Fig15) prior to seed sowing. Others however test the seed germination capacity by wrapping
test seeds in a water-soaked cloth overnight.
80 100
70
80
60
60
50
40 40
30
20
20
Percent
Percent
10 0
No Yes
No Yes
Seed germination test
Fig 15: % Farmers doing seed-germination test Fig 16: % Farmers using fungicide seed treatment
Seed treatments are not commonly practiced by farmers and only 20% of interviewed farmers
treat the seeds with fungicides like Thiram 80, whereas other seed treatment methods e.g.
warm-water treatment were generally not practiced.
The seeds are sown at a plant-plant distance of 50-70 cm with a row-row distance of 50-100
cm (avr. 70 cm) and in case of bed and furrow system, beds are 400-700 cm wide and average
50 cm height and are placed at a distance of 120 (avr.)cm. Okra seeds are sown manually by
the ‘dibbling’ method with one-four seeds/hole.
3.4 Irrigation, Weeding, Fertilization and after care issues
The germination of seed is facilitated with a pre-sowing irrigation and afterwards a majority
of the farmers irrigate the crop based on the situation of field moisture regime (almost every
other day during the dry season). After flowering and fruit setting, crops are irrigated almost
every day (esp. in the dry season). As mentioned earlier, farmers use different water sources
Page 15
for irrigation ranging from tapping water from their own wells to use of community wells and
canals.
Fertilization of the export okra also is an important issue for the quality of the produce.
Farmers use different kinds and doses of fertilizers ranging from inorganic fertilizers, organic
manures to home-made fermented fertilizers and in some cases micro-nutrients. For
fertilization, okra export farmers make independent decisions regarding dosages and types
based on soil type, farmers’ experiences and individual financial situations. For other
management operations like plant protection, harvesting, farmers generally follow the advice
from the export company.
Either of one of two major balanced fertilizer compounds (16:16:16/15:15:15) is used by okra
farmers. Please refer to annex 2, 3, 4, and 5 (cropping calendars) for details on the type, dose
and timing of fertilizer application for various provinces. It seems from various discussions
and use patterns that farmers’ knowledge on manure and fertilizer use in relation to yield is
not up to the mark. Similar trends were observed with the farmers using the home-made
fermented fertilizers. It was very difficult to judge why there exists a wide variation in
quantity of use. At the same time, actual nutrient content of these home-made fermented
ferilizers was also not clear.
Like any other after-care activities, fertilizer application is also generally done by the family
members themselves. Only in the case of large farm sizes (like in those observed in
Ratchaburi), labourers were hired to do the job. Fertilizers are generally applied in a circle
near the base of the plants. However, in the case of organic manures, these are mixed well
with the soil at the time of land preparation by the farmers.
Weeds are only problems during the first 2-3 weeks of okra crop growth and development.
Once the crop establishes and closes, weeds no longer pose a production problem. Weed-
control is practiced by 60% of the respondents from all four provinces either by using
herbicide or by manual weeding. The weed species vary from area to area and most often nut
sedges and other broad-leaves weeds were commonly observed by farmers. Over 80% of the
farmers applying herbicides use pre-emergence herbicides either Alachlor or Gamaxone.
Unlike some other okra growing countries, where pruning and rationing is a very common
practice, Thai okra growers do not prune their crops. However, picking of one leaf after every
fruit harvest is a common practice among farmers to reduce the possibility of any blemish on
the tender okra fruit. Removing of one leaf adjacent to the fruit minimises chances of dis-
coloration as well. Okra begins bearing fruits after 45 days of sowing and the harvesting
continues on a daily basis for another 2 – 2 ½ months. The okra growers in Thailand produce
in the range of 2,000-4,000 kg okra/rai but a more realistic average yield generally realised
was 2,000 kg per rai.
3.5 Issues with Insect-pest and diseases in okra
Okra is an annual malvaceous crop and is susceptible to a large range of insect-pests and
diseases. Various growth stages of the crops are susceptible to the different insect-pests and
diseases. Insect-pests like Crickets can be a problem during germination/seedling stage of the
crop while the thrips, whitefly and other phloem feeders are common during vegetative stage
(see Table 3, 4 &5). The incidence pattern of insect-pests and diseases are more or less
common to all growing areas. A pictorial guide of common insect-pests of okra is attached in
Page 16
annex- 6 and a similar guide of natural enemies1 is attached in annex-7. Yellow Vein Mosaic
(YVM) is the most pressing plant-protection problem universally faced by all okra growers in
Thailand. This jassid-transmitted virus disease seriously stunts plant growth, reduces available
leaf area for photosynthesis resulting into serious yield and quality loss. The vein and veinlets
of affected plants turn yellow and even the fruit produced by such plants turn yellow in
colour. The viruleferous population of vectors has potential to turn a large tract of healthy
okra crop into an unproductive one in a short span of time. Virus resistant and tolerant
commercial varieties (hybrid F1 and Open Pollinated) are available for management of this
disease in countries like India, which is often also the source of seeds used by farmers in
Thailand. We could not find any satisfactory reasons for why farmers do not use a virus
tolerant/resistant variety, despite the fact that many farmers know that such varieties do exist.
Table 3: List of commonly occurring insect-pests on okra in Thailand

Insect-Pest Scientific names Susceptible Crop Stage
Cricket Metioche vittaticollis; Seedling
Anaxipha longipennis
Green leaf hopper Amarasca biguttula Ishida Early vegetative - harvest
Mealy bug Maconellicoccus hirsutus Vegetative
Aphids Aphis gossypii Vegetative
Cotton boll worm Heliothis armigera Hubner.
Cotton leaf worm Spodoptera litura E. Vegetative - Fruiting
Whitefly Bemisia tabaci Vegetative
Thrips Thrips palmi karny Vegetative
Army worm Spodoptera exigua Early Vegetative
Table 4: List of commonly occurring natural enemies in Okra fields in Thailand

Natural Enemies Scientific names
Lady Bird beetles Coccinella septempunctata Linnaeus; other species
Green lacewing Chrysoperla sp.
Spider Oxyopes sp
Eretmocerus sp. & Eretmocerus sp.
Encarsia sp. (a whitefly Encarsia sp.
parasitoid)
Dragon fly Several species
Damsel fly Several species
Ear wig Euborellia sp.
* Personnel observation
Table 5: List of commonly occurring diseases on okra in Thailand

Diseases Scientific names Susceptible Crop stage
Virus (Yellow Vein Mosaic) Geminivirus group Early vegetative -
harvest
Damping-off Pythium vexans de Bary Seedling – early
vegetative
Powdery mildew Erysiphe sp. Vegetative
Anthracnose Colletotrichum spp. Flowering/Fruiting
Pod spot Alternaria sp. Fruiting
Leaf Spot Pseudocercospora abelmoschi Vegetative
(Ell. & Ev.) Deighton
1
Some natural enemies pictures are taken from IPM DANIDA Thailand Web page
http://www.ipmthailand.org/en/IPMDANIDA/ipmdanida.htm
Page 17
3.6 Plant Protection issues in export okra production
In general, misuse and over-use of pesticides were not a major issue for the export okra
cultivation during the period that the survey was carried out. However, the export data (table
2), clearly indicates a major dip in export during year 2000, when several consignments of the
fresh okra were rejected from the Japanese market because of high levels of pesticide
residues. A collaborative effort by okra export companies and the DoAE (Department of
Agril. Extension) created considerable awareness among farmers and also introduced methods
under the “Safe Vegetables” campaign to reduce the use of pesticides. Under this same
campaign, home-made pesticide brews were promoted to further replace the dependency of
the okra farmers on chemical pesticides. However, following visits to the okra fields and
discussions with several farmers, it was found that the brews were largely ineffective in
reducing pest populations.
Currently, chemical insecticides along with Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) and locally-fermented
herbal pesticides are extensively used by farmers to manage insect-pests problems. The export
companies select the type and doses of agro-chemical inputs, generally to an extent necessary
to keep residues below the MRLs set by the major importing companies. Failing to do so
could lead to rejection of the exported okra.
Table 6: Commonly used pesticides (Chemical & Biological) against okra insect-pests
Trade Name Active Ingredient Against what? WHO class

Dinitrofuran Carbofuran Cotton leaf Hopper (Jassids) II
Parathion-methyl Organophosphates Cotton leaf Hopper (Jassids) Ia
Permethrin Cotton leaf Hopper (Jassids) II
Abamectin Thrips/Whiteflies EPA IV
Proclaim (Syngenta) Emamectin Thrips/Whiteflies II
benzoate)
Bt (Bacillus All defoliator
thuringiensis)
Mineral oil /white- Cotton leaf Hopper (Jassids)
oil/Petroleum oil
Home-made herbal Fermented herbal All insect-pests
(home-made)
Paraquat Paraquat-dichloride Weeds II
Use of fungicides is often limited to seed treatment only and in general farmers did not use
any major fungicides during the cropping season. Diseases occur occasionally on the crop
especially during hot and humid periods of the year.
Pesticides are directly supplied by companies to the farmers (50% cases) and in some case
farmers are told to buy a certain kind of pesticides from the market (Fig 17). A majority of the
farmers used pesticides at a weekly interval and a small proportion of the interviewed farmers
even use pesticides at 3-day, 5-day and even at 15-days intervals. These pesticide frequencies
include the use of home-made fermented pesticides (Fig 18).
Page 18
60
60
50
50
40 40
Percent (%)
30 30
20
20
10
10
Percent
0
3-day 3-5 day 5-day 7-day 10-day 15-day
0
Company Market Ow n made
Fig 17: Pesticide source for okra farmers Fig 18: Frequency of pesticide spray
3.7: Harvesting, Grading and Packaging of export okra cultivation
Okra farmers harvest fruits everyday in the early morning with the help of a sharp knife. A
preliminary sorting of fruits is done by farmers themselves before they carry their produce by
car to a pre-assigned common place for further sorting, grading and weighing by the affiliated
companies. For instance, the company (Miracle Grand Co. Ltd.) involved with farmers at
Ratchaburi, established their own grading facility in the vicinity of the field. In other
provinces, companies only do a preliminary sorting of okra on site. Final grading and sorting
and packaging takes place at company facilities near Bangkok.
Two distinct categories for okra fruits grading are generally used by Thai okra export
companies. In one category fruits are graded either as “in grade” and “low grade”. While
other company grade fruits either as “top”, “medium” and “low grade”. On an average
companies buy the top/ingrade produce at a price of 19-22 Baht/kg, where as other grades are
sold to the local markets for a price range of 3-7 Bhat. Some companies buy all produce from
the farmers, where as some only buy the exportable grades. The ratio of daily harvested okra
to export grade is roughly 1.70 kg for every 2.0 kg harvest. Farmers are paid for their produce
on a weekly or fortnightly basis.
3.8 Economics of export okra production
The okra growers in Thailand produce 2,000-4,000 kg okra pods (2,000 kg avr.) per rai. Total
return from a rai of okra ranges from 18,000-40,000 Thai Baht (average 30,000 Baht) where
the cost of cultivation varies from 7,500-12,000 Baht/rai (10,000 Baht average). On an
average a farmer roughly makes 20,000-Baht/rai for a 4 month growing season of okra.
Page 19
30,000
30,000
25,000
20,000
20,000
Thai Baht
15,000
10,000
10,000
5,000
0
Gross income Cost of production Net income
Fig 19: Average cost and benefits from a rai of export okra production (1 US $ = 40 Thai Baht)
3.9 Gender issues in okra cultivation
As discussed earlier, the majority of export okra farmers are male. However, it is a family
affair, where labour is divided among the family members except for the pesticide
applications. Some jobs like weeding and irrigation are done by both male and female family
members together, where as activities like pesticide sprays are mostly done by the man of the
family (Table 7).
Table 7: Labour distribution in okra production (% responses)

Sl. Activity Both Man & Only Man Only woman
Women
1 Land Preparation 50 28 22
2 Sowing 82 - 18
3 Fertilizer application 55 27 18
4 Weeding 86 - 24
5 Pesticide spray - 90 10
6 Irrigation 60 18 22
7 Harvesting 78 12 10
8 Transportation 50 12 8
9 Selling 32 40 28
10 Holding family income 18 - 82
11 Major decisions on 55 10 35
expenditure
Page 20
3.9 Other issues
During the survey, through leading questions, knowledge levels of the farmers were tested for
identification skills and 100% of them could identify the virus symptoms of YVM. They were
also asked to list the major production constraints with 70% of them rating insect-pests and
diseases (including YVM) as major problems.
45.00
40.00
35.00
% re sponde nt
30.00
25.00
20.00
15.00
10.00
5.00
0.00
Insect Pest Disease Market seeds Money
Fig 20: Farmer’s perception of major production constraints
Most farmers maintained a record of inputs used for the okra production for various reasons
(fig 20) like for access to credit purposes from the agriculture bank etc.
100
80
60
40
20
Percent
0
No Yes
Fig 21: % respondent keeping farm-records
When the farmers were asked for one major area where they think they need more support, a
majority (48%) of them wanted to learn more about insect-pest management and seeds,
whereas others wanted to learn more about composting, marketing etc. (Fig 21).
Page 21
Export
Pricing 5% Variety &
5% Seed
Irrigation 37%
5%
Insect-pest &
diseases
48%
Fig 22: Areas of interest of okra farmers
Other issues like export, prices , irrigation management also featured as areas that farmers
identified in need of more knowledge support.
FFS on Export Okra Production in Thailand:
The efforts to provide technical support to the okra farmers started last year (2003) in form
of the implementation of 2 FFS (Farmer’s Field School) as a collaborative effort between
contract farming companies and the DoAE.
Page 22
Chapter IV
Conclusions and Recommendations
Page 23
4.1 Conclusions
Most export okra farmers are smallholders, owing 1-2 rai of land. Okra cultivation is a labour-
intensive farming process and most of the labour needs are full-filled by the family members.
When the farming for export began a decade ago, farmers and companies took advantage of
the low insect-pest population and grew and exported okra without much plant protection
problems. Over the years the insect-pest population became virus-carrier (year round
cultivation and availability of host species) and virus problems kept spreading at ever
increasing rates. Consequently, more emphasis on plant protection practices is needed in
terms of labour cost and input cost to minimize the plant protection problems.
Seeds are often procured from known and unknown channels from countries like India with
sometimes little or no information on its genetic properties etc. A good and resistant variety
along with ecological understanding of the okra crop ecosystem obviously is vital for
sustained export production. Since okra farming is rather labour-intensive farming, it will be
difficult for farmers to attend some kind of season-long IPM training. But other models for
farmer training with an emphasis on discovery-based ecological research and learning should
certainly be explored given the enormous potential for improved crop production and
pesticide reduction. Participatory action research initiatives to learn about newer varieties and
their tolerance to insect-pest, YVM (yellow vein mosaic), diseases etc. are some of the
interesting topics for research and ecological learning that would be well received by all stake
holders; the export companies, farmers and DoAE.
The decision making by farmers and contract extension workers with regard to plant
protection measures are often non-informed vis-à-vis crop ecosystem and pest population
dynamics. Such decisions are rather based on farmers’ -and in some occasions extension
workers’- judgements on how to obtain a good yield as well as on the companies’
requirements to keep the pesticide residue levels below the MRLs. Contract companies
generally provide pesticide products to farmers. Previously, the levels of control on quantity
and types of chemicals were not rigid but in recent times, the companies rigidly determine the
types and quantities of pesticides that a farmer can use to control pests. Some farmers don’t
use synthetic pesticides and use only home-produced fermented pesticides to minimize the
risk of any chemical residues. But none of these strategies are effective enough as is evident
from the ever-increasing pest populations, increasing costs of plant protection inputs and
frequently occurring virus outbreaks in key okra growing areas in Thailand
Whitefly and jassids transmitted viruses (e.g. Yellow Vein Mosaic and other viruses) are
major threats to the production. In some villages mealy bug populations also regularly reach
very high and damaging levels. In search of better and less whitefly/jassids infested
production areas, the companies move production from one area to another. Smallholder okra
growers are at the loosing end of these moves. Claims with regard to the effectiveness of
home-made fertilizers and pesticides are highly questionable and most-often it is very difficult
to ascertain the actual quantity of nutrient and pesticidal properties of such formulations.
However, these companies do not restrict use of chemical fertilizers neither do they provide
any prescriptions on this to the farmers. Knowledge levels on micro-nutrients and their effect
on okra productivity are hardly known to any growers and only in some cases do farmers use
Boron and Zinc, without being able to properly explain what good this would do to their
crops.
Most farmers grow okra on their own land, but some hire the land at the rate of 100-500 Baht/
rai/ season (depending on the quality of land). Seeds are another expensive input in this
production system. At certain places the companies pay for the cost of seed and in some case
Page 24
farmers have to buy seeds @ 1,800-2,000 Baht /kg. Farmers do not have any control on this
process neither are they familiar with the potential genetic ability of some varieties to better
tolerate diseases and insect-pests etc. On an average, 70% of total harvested pods are good
export grade produce (on a daily harvest basis) and it fetches good returns to farmers
compared to other crops. Additionally, insect-pest population build up also makes export okra
cultivation more chemical-pesticide intensive. Due to MRL restrictions, farmers are allowed
to use only selected pesticides. According to a conservative estimate, the level of profits sank
to almost half in the last 6-7 years due to higher crop protection input costs. Economic and
ecological sustainability of the entire export okra production has become rather questionable.
Farmers hardly receive any information on other issues related to okra cultivation from these
export companies other then the prescribed names of pesticides that they could use for the
first 3-4 weeks of plant age. Company-employed extension agents visit farmers at the start of
the season often to provide seeds. Afterwards, these visits are reduced and limited to visits at
harvesting time etc. Companies usually do not provide any training to the farmer. Especially
for a crop like Okra, which has not been grown traditionally in Thailand, there is great scope
for on-farm experimentation, learning and innovation to ensure long-term profitability for
export okra farmers and ecological sustainability.
4. 2.Recommendations
• A national workshop to take stock of the current situation and plan strategies
(Relevant to all stakeholders)
It is recommended that a national workshop is organised to take stock of the available

information and experiences vis-à-vis current export okra production and protection
involving all major stakeholders in the okra export industry. Such a forum would enable a
better dialogue among stakeholders in terms of developing a more sustainable and
profitable okra production industry. Such a workshop could also identify topics, on which
more research is needed and help to sensitize local research institutions to prioritize and
undertake more relevant research. It is also recommended that such workshop should be
repeated on a regular basis to examine the developments and progress made and to
develop strategies for future -and more relevant- research. The outcomes and
recommendations from these workshops could also help fill the currently existing
knowledge gaps at the level of production, protection, extension, and export.
• A robust farmer education effort for pesticide reduction and more stable and higher
quality production (Relevant to contract farming companies, extension agencies, DOAE
and farmers)
Given the enormous potential for improved crop production and pesticide reduction, the
okra export industry stands to gain much from a more ecological approach to production.
Ideally, contract farmers would participate in season-long Farmer Field Schools which
would enable them to better appreciate the okra ecosystem and allow farmers to make
better informed-decisions with regards to crop production and protection management.
Given the rather labour-intensive and contract farming oriented nature of export okra
production, such intensive farmer training approaches might currently not seem feasible.
However, the export companies could play a much more stimulating role in encouraging –
and providing the necessary financial resources for- its contract farmers to undergo
season-long training and allowing farmers to develop ecological production skills. With
stricter-employed MRLs by importing countries, export market will undoubtedly become
much harder to enter and maintain. Obviously, a more ecological approach to okra
production would benefit the export companies as well in terms of a higher quality, safer
Page 25
and more stable and sustainable supply of okra produce for the increasingly demanding
export markets.
• Research and development priorities:
- Farmer access and experimentation with better disease-resistant varieties

(Relevant to contract farming companies, extension agencies and farmers)
Unavailability of reliable virus-resistant varieties at farmers’ level has been identified as a

major production constraint. Selection and availability of such varieties to the export okra
farmers in Thailand would be very important. It is highly recommended that access to better
disease resistant varieties be provided to farmers so that they, in consultation with the export
firms, can screen and experiment with a wider set of varieties suitable for production in their
own localities and with good market potential.. Such experimentation should result into the
development of a list of OP (open pollinated) and hybrid YVM resistant/tolerant varieties to
be made available to farmers in Thailand.
- Long term research priorities (Relevant to DoA/ research organisation)
Several long–term research initiatives would be needed to sustain the export okra production
in Thailand. Some of the priority initiatives would include:
a. Resistance management for key insect-pests;

b. Non-chemical management options of whitefly and Jassids;
c. Breeding of better -and more Yellow Vein Mosaic (YVM) tolerant/resistant- varieties
of Okra.
• Development of an Export Okra Growers Association (Relevant to okra contract

farmers)
Okra farmers should consider organizing themselves nationally into an Export Okra
Growers Association. Most okra farmers are currently organized within the scope and
coverage of the individual contracting firms. Such farmer organizations help to plan for
production and to negotiate fair prices for okra produce with the export firms. However,
farmers could stand much to gain from increased interactions with farmers beyond their
own contract farming units through exchange of information and sharing ideas and
experiences. Such organizations would allow farmers to have a better say in the nature of
okra production in contract farming situations, enable farmer to work on a more
sustainable production environment and guarantees better and more sustainable rural
livelihoods and enable farmers to negotiate for a better price for higher quality and safer
produce.
Page 26
Acknowledgement
The authors would like to extend deepest thanks and appreciation to farmers and DoAE staff of Tha
Mouang and Dan Makham Tia and Moung district, Karnchnaburi; Bang Pae District, Ratchaburi;
Bang Len and Don Toom District, Nakhon Pathom; Sai Noi District, Nonthaburi and the staff of
Miracle Grand Company and Tanyama Company Ltd. for their kind help that enabled them to
complete this baseline survey work.. Sincere thanks and appreciation are due to the Division of Pest
Management and Division of Horticulture, DoAE, Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives, Royal
Government of Thailand.
We would like to sincerely thank Mr .J. W. Ketelaar, Team Leader, Regional FAO Vegetable IPM
Program Phase II , for his intellectual inputs during the design of the survey and for excellent editorial
help during the final write-up of the document. A special vote of thanks goes to Mr. Randy Arnst,
FAO IPM Programme Development Officer, for providing space and intellectual support during the
period of survey and write-ups.
Page 27
References
Bernd Hardeweg (2002); Economics of Vegetable Production in Thailand; Institute of

Economics in Horticulture, University of Hannover, Germany (Unpublished)
DoAE (2002): Vegetable group; Department of Agriculture Extension, Royal Thai

Government. Bangkok, Thailand
DANIDA-IPM Program (URL: www.ipmthailand.org/en/IPMDANIDA/ipmdanida.htm)
FAOSTAT (2001) statistics database (2001) (URL: http://apps.fao.org/default.htm)
FAO-RAP Publication no. 1999/38; The Vegetable Sector in Thailand – A review

(http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/004/AC145E/AC145E04.htm)
Page 28
ANNEXES
Page 29
Annex 1: Questionnaire used in survey

แบบสัมภาษณ
เรื่อง
การสํารวจขอมูลพื้นฐานในการปลูกกระเจี๊ยบเขียวเพื่อการสงออก
ชื่อ-นามสกุล ผูใหสัมภาษณ
Name……………………………………………………………………………….
ที่อยู บานเลขที่ House No.………………………หมูที่ Moo……………………….ตำบล
Tambon…………………………….
Address อำเภอ District…………………………..จังหวัด Province………………………รหัส
Zip Code…………………………
ตอนที่ 1 สภาพสวนบุคคลของเกษตรกรผูป  ลูกกระเจีย๊ บเขียวเพื่อการสงออก

คําชี้แจง กรุณาทําเครื่องหมาย / ลงใน ( ) หนาขอความที่ตองการ
หรือกรอกขอความลงในชองวาง
ที่กําหนดให
เพศ Sex ( ) 1. ชาย Male ( ) 2. หญิง Female
อายุ Age……………….ป (ตั้งแต 6 เดือนขึ้นไปนับเปน 1 ป)
สถานภาพ Status ( ) 1. โสด Single ( ) 2. แตงงาน Married
การศึกษา Education
( ) ไมเคยเรียนหนังสือ None
( ) ประถมศึกษา Primary School
( ) มัธยมศึกษาตอนตน Elementary
( ) มัธยมศึกษาตอนปลาย High School
( ) อนุปริญญา Collage
( ) ปริญญาตรี University
จํานวนสมาชิกในครัวเรือนทั้งหมด No. of family member………….คน person
ตอนที่ 2 สภาพทางการผลิต
2.1 ทานมีพน ื้ ที่ทําการเกษตรทั้งหมด Total Agriculture land area……………ไร rai
2.2 พื้นที่ที่ใชในการปลูกกระเจีย๊ บเขียวทั้งหมด Total okra growing area…………….ไร rai
2.3 ลักษณะฟารม Farm Type ( ) ยกรอง Low land (leveling) ( ) รองสวน Low land
(Ditch and dike)
2.4 แหลงน้ําที่ใชในการปลูกกระเจี๊ยบเขียว Water Source
( ) 1. น้ําชลประทาน Irrigation
( ) 2. น้ําบอบาดาล Public well
( ) 3. สระน้ําของตัวเอง Your own well
( ) 4. อื่น ๆ ระบุ Others…………………..
2.5 จํานวนสมาชิกในครอบครัวที่เปนแรงงานในการผลิตกระเจี๊ยบเขียวNo. Of family’s labor
growing okra………………คน person
2.6 ประสบการณเกี่ยวกับการปลูกกระเจี๊ยบเขียวเพื่อการสงออก Experience in growing
okra……………..ป years
2.7 ระยะทางจากแหลงปลูกกระเจี๊ยบเขียวถึงจุดรวบรวมผลผลิตหรือแหลงรับซื้อ Distance from
your okra plots to selling center ………………กม Km.
Page 30
ตอนที่ 3 การผลิต Part 3 Crop Management

3.1 ปฎิทน ิ การปลูกกระเจีย๊ บเขียวเพื่อการสงออก Cropping Calendar
ทานเริ่มปลูกกระเจี๊ยบเขียวจากเดือนอะไรจนถึงเดือนอะไร What month did you start growing
okra?
พื้นที่ (ไร) เดือน Month

Area (rai) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
3.2 การจัดการฟารม Farm Management

คําชี้แจง กรุณาทําเครื่องหมาย / ลงใน ( ) หนาขอความที่ตอ งการ
3.2.1 การเตรียมดิน Land Preparation
ไถตากดิน Plowing…….…ครั้ง แตละครั้งหางกัน Interval…………วัน คาไถตากดิน
Cost of plowing………บาท/ไร
ไถพรวนดิน Harrowing……ครั้ง แตละครั้งหางกัน Interval………วัน คาไถพรวนดิน
Cost of Harrowing…………บาท/ไร
ความลึกของการไถ Depth of plowing ……………..ซ.ม. c.m.
ปรับสภาพความเปนกรดดางของดินโดยใสปูนขาว Did you apply lime? ( ) ใส
Yes ( ) ไมใส No
ปลูกพืชสลับในพื้นที่ปลูกกระเจี๊ยบเขียวหรือไม ( ) ปลูก ( ) ไมปลูก
Did you grow other crop in the same land? ( ) Yes ( ) No
ถาปลูกปลูกพืชอะไร If Yes, What crop?……………………... ทําไม
Why…………………………………………
พันธุที่ใชปลูก Variety name……………………………………………..
แหลงที่มาของเมล็ดพันธุ Source of Variety…………………………………..
อัตราการใชเมล็ดพันธุ Quantity of seeds………………………………กก./ไร Kg/rai
เปอรเซนตความงอกของเมล็ดพันธุ Percentage of
germination……………………….%
ราคาเมล็ดพันธุ Cost of seeds…………………………………….บาท/กก. Baht/Kg
ทานเคยทดสอบความงอกของเมล็ดพันธุหรือไม ( ) เคย ( )ไมเคย
Do you ever practice germination test of seed? ( ) Yes ( ) No
ถาเคยโปรดอธิบาย If Yes, Pl
explain…………………………………………………………………………………
…….
กอนปลูกทานคลุกเมล็ดดวยสารเคมีเพื่อปองกันโรคหรือไม ( ) คลุก ( ) ไมคลุก
Did you mix fungicide with seeds before sowing? ( ) Yes ( ) No
ถาคลุก คลุกยาอะไร If yes, what
fungicide?………………………………………………………………………………..
กอนปลูกทานนําเมล็ดแชในน้ําอุน  หรือไม ( ) แช ( ) ไมแช
Did you put the seeds in warm water before sowing? ( ) Yes ( ) No
ถาแชโปรดอธิบาย If yes, Pl
explain…………………………………………………………………………………
…….
Page 31
3.2.3 วิธีปลูก Sowing Methods

ระยะหางระหวางตน Between Plant……………………..ซ.ม. c.m.
ระยะหางระหวางแถว Between row…………………….ซ.ม.c.m.
ความกวางของแปลง Bed Width………………………ซ.ม. c.m.
ความสูงของแปลง Bed Height…………………………ซ.ม. c.m.
ระยะหางระหวางแปลง Bed interval……………………..ซ.ม. c.m.
จํานวนเมล็ดตอหลุม amount of seeds per hole……………………….เมล็ด seeds
วิธีหยอด Sowing method ( ) ใชมือ Hand ( ) ใชเครื่องจักร
Machine
3.2.4 การใหน้ําหลังหยอดเมล็ด Watering

( ) ใหน้ําทุกวันหลังหยอดเมล็ด ( ) ใหน้ําวันเวนวันหลังหยอดเมล็ด ( )
ใหน้ําทุกวันชวงกระเจี๊ยบเขียวออกดอก
( ) Everyday after sowing ( ) Every other day after sowing ( )
Everyday after flowering stage
( ) อื่น ๆ ระบุ
Others……………………………………………………………………………………………
…………..
3.2.5 การปองกันกําจัดวัชพืช Weeds Control
( ) ฉีดยาคุม/ฆาหญากอนปลูก
ระบุชื่อยา………………………อัตราที่ฉีด…………………. ( ) ฉีดเอง ( ) จาง
( ) Apply herbicide before sowing, name of
herbicide……………………Rate………………( ) Family ( ) Hired
ดายหญา/พรวนดิน……………………………….ครั้ง/ฤดู ( )
ทําเอง ( ) จาง
The number of hand weeding/ tillage…………………………time/season (
) Family ( ) Hired
3.2.6 การใหปุย Fertilizer Application
ครั้งที่ ชนิดของปุย ปริมาณ(ก.ก./ไ วิธีใส ราคา ทำเอง/จาง หมายเหตุ
No. Name of ร ) Methods Price Remarks
fertilizer Quantity Family/Hire
(kg/rai) d
3.2.7 การเด็ดใบ (Leaf picking)

( ) เด็ดใบทิ้งทีละใบพรอมๆกับการตัดฝกทุกครั้ง Pick one leaf after each harvest
( ) เด็ดใบทิ้งบางครั้ง pick leaf sometimes
( ) อื่น ๆ
(others)…………………………………………………………………………………….
Page 32
3.2.8 การตัดตน (Pruning)

( ) ตัด Yes ( ) ไมตัด No
( ) ถาตัด ตัดเมื่อไร If prune,
when………………………………………………………………………………………….
3.2.9 แมลงศัตรูพืชที่ทําลายกระเจี๊ยบเขียวของทานในฤดูที่ผานมา
(เรียงจากตนฤดูจนถึงเก็บเกี่ยว)
Insect Pests (From the beginning of the season till harvesting)
แมลงศัตรูพืช ระยะการเจริญเติบโต อากาศ วิธีจัดการ
Insect Pest Crop Stage Climate Control Methods
- แมลงศัตรูพืชที่เปนปญหาสําคัญที่สุดคือ……………………………………………………
……………………………………
- What are major insect pest
problems?…………………………………………………………………………………
………..
3.2.10 โรคพืชที่ทําลายกระเจี๊ยบเขียวของทานในฤดูที่ผานมา (เรียงจากตนฤดูจนถึงเก็บเกี่ยว)

Disease (From the beginning of the season till harvesting)
โรคพืช ระยะการเจริญเติบโ อากาศ วิธีจัดการ
Disease ต Climate Control Methods
Crop Stage
- โรคพืชที่เปนปญหาสําคัญที่สุดคือ What is the major

disease?………………………………………………………
3.2.11 วัชพืชพืชที่ทําลายกระเจีย
๊ บเขียวของทานในฤดูที่ผานมา (เรียงจากตนฤดูจนถึงเก็บเกีย
่ ว)
Weeds (From the beginning of the season till harvesting)
วัชพืช ระยะการเจริญเติบโ อากาศ วิธีจัดการ
Weeds ต Climate Control Methods
Crop Stage
Page 33
- วัชพืชที่เปนปญหาสําคัญที่สุดคือ What is the major

weed?………………………………………………………
3.2.12 ชื่อสารเคมีและสารสกัดจากธรรมชาติที่ทานใชในการปองกันกําจัดศัตรูพืช Chemical

and Bio pesticide uses
ชื่อสารเคมีและ แหลงที่ ราคา ปริมาณที่ใชต ความถี่ในกา จํานวน ฉีดเอง/จาง ฉีดเพื่อปอ

สารสกัดจากธ มา Price อครั้งตอไร รฉีดพน ครัง้ ที่ฉี Family/Hi งกันอะไร
Source red
รรมชาติ Quantity/time Frequency of ดพน Purpose
Name /rai spraying No. of
applicati
on
4. บทบาทของสมาชิกในครอบครัวในการผลิตกระเจี๊ยบเขียวเพื่อการสงออก Gender
distribution in okra Production
ขั้นตอนในการผลิต
- การเตรียมดิน Land Preparation ( ) ผูชาย M ( ) ผูหญิง F ( )
ทั้งผูหญิงและผูชาย Both
- การหวาน Sowing ( ) ผูช  าย M ( ) ผูหญิง F ( ) ทั้งผูหญิงและผูชาย
Both
- การใสปุย Fertilizer application ( ) ผูชาย M ( ) ผูหญิง F ( )
- การกําจัดวัชพืช Weeding ( ) ผูช
 าย M ( ) ผูหญิง F ( )
- ฉีดสารเคมี Pesticide spray ( ) ผูชาย M ( ) ผูหญิง F ( )
- การใหน้ํา Irrigation ( ) ผูช
 าย M ( ) ผูหญิง F ( )
- เก็บเกี่ยว Harvesting ( ) ผูช าย M ( ) ผูหญิง F ( )
- การขนสง Transportation ( ) ผูชาย M ( ) ผูหญิง F ( )
- การขาย Selling ( ) ผูชาย M ( ) ผูหญิง F ( )
Page 34
- ใครเปนผูดแ
ู ล เก็บเงินรายไดของครอบครัว Who control the family’s income?
( ) ผูชาย M ( ) ผูหญิง F ( ) ทั้งผูหญิงและผูชาย
Both
- ใครเปนผูตัดสินใจในการใชจายภายในครอบครัว Who decides on family’s expenditure?
( ) ผูชาย M ( ) ผูหญิง F ( )
5. การเก็บเกี่ยว/การตลาด Harvesting/Marketing
คําชี้แจง กรุณากรอกขอความลงในชองวางที่กําหนดให
- เริ่มเก็บเกี่ยวตั้งแตเดือนอะไรจนกระทั่งถึงเดือนอะไร When did the harvesting start and
finish?
เดือน Month
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
- กระเจีย ๊ บเขียวเริ่มเก็บเกี่ยวไดเมื่อมีอายุได The first day of

harvesting…………………….วัน หลังหยอดเมล็ด DAS
- เก็บเกี่ยวกระเจี๊ยบเขียวกี่ครั้งใน 1 ฤดูThe number of harvesting in 1
season………………ครั้ง times
- การจางแรงงานในการเก็บผลผลิตกระเจี๊ยบเขียว Labor in harvesting
( ) จาง Hire…………………คน person
จางประจํา Permanent Labor………………คน person
จางชั่วคราว Temporary labor……………….คน person
( ) ไมจาง (ระบุ) No
hiring…………………………………………………………..
- จํานวนผลผลิตกระเจี๊ยบเขียวที่ไดรบ ั ในปที่ผานมาประมาณ Total Yield of okra (last
year)………………กิโลกรัม/ไร Kg/rai
เขาเกรด (มีคุณภาพตามที่บริษัทตองการ) In grade (qualify by
company)……………….กิโลกรัม Kg
ตกเกรด (ไมมีคุณภาพ) Low grade………………………………….กิโลกรัม Kg
- ราคาผลผลิตกระเจี๊ยบเขียวที่ทานสามารถจําหนายได Price of okra
เขาเกรด In grade เกรด A ราคา Price……………….บาท/กก. Baht/Kg
เกรด B ราคา Price……………….บาท/กก Baht/Kg
ตกเกรด Low grade ราคา Price……………….บาท/กก. Baht/Kg
- ( ) คัดเกรดผลผลิตกระเจี๊ยบเขียวกอนสงใหบริษัท ( )
สงผลผลิตกระเจี๊ยบเขียวทั้งหมดใหบริษัทโดยไมคัดเกรด
Grading before sending to company Send all okra yields without
grading
- รายไดจากการปลูกกระเจี๊ยบเขียวในปที่ผานมาIncome from growing
okra…………บาท Bt(ประมาณใกลเคียงกับความจริง)
- การลงทุนทั้งหมดในการปลูกกระเจี๊ยบเขียวในปที่ผานมา The cost of investment of
growing okra (last year) ………………….บาท Baht
(ประมาณใกลเคียงกับความจริง)
Page 35
- ขายกระเจีย
๊ บเขียวใหกบ
ั บริษัท What company did you sell okra
to?………………………………………………………
- อะไรที่ทานคิดวาเปนปญหาที่สําคัญที่สุดในการปลูกกระเจี๊ยบเขียวเพื่อการสงออก
What is the most important constraints in okra production farmers?
( ) แมลงศัตรูพืช Insect Pest ( ) โรคพืช Disease ( ) ขาดความรูดานการผลิต Lack of
technique ( ) ตลาด Market
( ) การใหน้ํา Irrigation ( ) เมล็ดพันธุ Seeds ( ) การขนสง Transportation
( ) เงินทุน Money
อื่นๆ(โปรดอธิบาย):Others…………………………………………………………………
………………..……………………………………………………………………………
…………………………...…………………………………………………………
6. การจดบันทึกขอมูลการผลิต Record Keeping

ทานไดจดบันทึกขอมูล (การใชสารปองกันกําจัดศัตรูพืช การใหปุย) หรือไม Did you ever
record (Chemical use and fertilizer use)? ( ) จด Yes ( ) ไมจด No
ถาจด ใครเปนผูจด If yes, ……………………………ทําไม
Why…………………………………………………
7. ความตองการ Needs
ทานมีความประสงคที่จะเรียนรูเรื่องอะไรบางเพื่อพัฒนาคุณภาพและปริมาณของกระเจีย ๊ บเขียว
What do you want to know more in order to improve your okra
production?...........................................................................…………
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
8. คําถามสําหรับทดสอบความรู Some general tests

คำชี้แจง กรุณาทําเครื่องหมาย / ลงใน ( ) หนาขอความที่ตองการ
- นําตัวอยางกระเจี๊ยบเขียวที่ถูกทําลายโดยเชื้อไวรัสและถามเกษตรกรวาพืชถูกทําลายโดย
How do you recognize the following leaf sample? (Here we could collect some plant
virus specimen)
( ) แมลง Insect ( ) ขาดธาตุอาหาร Nutrient deficiency ( ) เชื้อไวรัส Virus (
) ผิดทุกขอ None of these
- แมลงชนิดนี้จด
ั อยูในแมลงจําพวกไหน How do you classify the insects presented to you?
( ) กินใบ Leaf feeder ( ) กินใบและเจาะลําตน Leaf & stem borer ( ) ศัตรูธรรมชาติ
Natural Enemies
( ) เจาะลําตน Stem Borer ( ) เจาะฝก Fruit Borer ( ) ไมใชศัตรูพืช
Not Pest
ผูสัมภาษณ: Interviewer……………………………………………………..
วันที:่ Date……………………………………………
เวลา: Time…………………………………………………………………..
Page 36
Annex 2: Baseline survey on export okra production, Ratchaburi
Page 37
Annex 3: Baseline survey on export okra production, Kanchnaburi
Page 38
Annex 4: baseline survey on export okra production, Nonthaburi
Page 39
Annex 5: Baseline survey on export okra production, Nakhon Pathom
Page 40
Annex 6: Common Insect-pests and diseases of okra in Thailand
Fig 6.1: Yellow Vein Mosaic Fig 6.2: Leaf spot of okra (Pseudocercospora sp.)
Fig 6.3: Green leaf hopper (Amarasca biguttula) Fig: 6.4 Cotton leaf worm (Spodoptera litura)
Fig 6.5: Thrips (Thrips palmi) Fig 6.6: Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci)
Page 41
Fig 6.7: Aphid (Aphis gossypii) Fig 6.8: Heliothis armigera
Fig 6.9: Spodoptera exigua
Source: Picture no. 6.3 to 6.9 are taken form the CABI Crop Protection Compendium, 2002, CABI for the
purpose of information only.
Page 42
Annex 7: Common natural enemies of okra insect-pests in Thailand
Fig 7.1: Grub of lady bird beetle Fig 7. 2: Encarsia sp. (whitefly parasitoids)
Fig 7.3: Adult ear wig Fig 7.4: Lynx Spider
Fig 7.5: Damsel fly Fig 7.6: Dragon fly
Page 43
Fig 7.7: Adult lacewing Fig 7.8: Egg of lacewing
Fig 7.9: Larva of lacewing Fig 7.10: Pupa of lacewing
Source: Picture 7.3 – 7.6 are reproduced from the IPM DANIDA Thailand website
(URL: www.ipmthailand.org/en/IPMDANIDA/ipmdanida.htm).
Page 44
Annex 8: Grading and Sorting of fresh okra for export
Fig 8.1: Fresh okra brought by car from farmers’ field
Fig 8.2: Process of okra grading
Fig 8.4: “Ingrade” or Top export grade okra
Page 45
Fig 8.5 Final packaging for Japanese market
Fig 8.6 Final packaging for Japanese market
Fig 8.7: “Medium” and “low” grade okra (sold in local market)
Page 46
Annex 9: Okra production system/interview process
Fig 9.1: Twenty-five days old crop of okra planted in furrows, Kanchanburi
Fig 9.2: 40-45 days old crop of okra planted on raised –bed (ditch & dike) Ratchaburi
Fig 9.3 Flower and dry pod with seeds of okra
Page 47
Fig 9.4: Interaction with okra export farmers Kanchaburi
Fig 9.5: Interaction with manager of Okra Export Company, Ratchaburi
Page 48

Export Okra Thai Baseline Report

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Export Okra Thai Baseline Report

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Baseline Survey

Export Okra Production in Thailand

A report of the baseline survey on export okra production in Thailand

Inter-country Programme for Vegetable IPM in South & SE Asia Phase II

Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

2.1 Rationale of the Survey 11

3.1 General findings 13

LIST OF, TABLES, MAPS, FIGURES & ANNEXES

Table 1: Total growing area (rai) and yield (tons) of Okra 6

Map 1: Major Okra growing provinces in Thailand 9

Fig 1: Major Okra growing countries in world (FAOSTAT, 2001) 5

Annex 1: Survey Questionnaire 30

1.1 Okra Production in the world

Fig 1: Major Okra growing countries in the world (FAOSTAT, 2001)

Fig 2: Okra area harvested worldwide (FAOSTAT, 2001)

1.2 Okra production in Thailand

1.3 Export Okra production in Thailand

Table 1: Total growing area (rai) and yield (tons) of Okra

Source: Vegetable group; DoAE, 2002

Table 2: Quantity and Value of Okra export (1998 – 2002)

The Central provinces of Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Kanchnaburi, Nonthaburi, Nakhon

Fig 4: Major okra growing provinces in Thailand (tons), DoAE, 2002

Fig.5: Major consumptions channels of okra in Thailand; DoAE, 2002

Fig 6: percentage market share of fresh Thai Okra; DoAE, 2002

Fig 7: Percentage market share of frozen Thai okra

Map 1: Major Export Okra growing Provinces in Thailand

Survey Rationale, Methods & Data Analysis

2.1 Rationale of the Survey

2.2 Method of survey and sources of information

2.3 Data Analysis

Findings from the Survey

3.1 General findings

Fig 10: Okra farm types Fig 11: Irrigation sources

3.2 Field Preparation

Fig 14: Reasons of growing other crop in Okra field

3.3 Issues with seed

Seed germination test

3.4 Irrigation, Weeding, Fertilization and after care issues

3.5 Issues with Insect-pest and diseases in okra

Table 3: List of commonly occurring insect-pests on okra in Thailand

Table 4: List of commonly occurring natural enemies in Okra fields in Thailand

Table 5: List of commonly occurring diseases on okra in Thailand

3.6 Plant Protection issues in export okra production

Trade Name Active Ingredient Against what? WHO class

3.7: Harvesting, Grading and Packaging of export okra cultivation

3.8 Economics of export okra production

3.9 Gender issues in okra cultivation

Table 7: Labour distribution in okra production (% responses)

3.9 Other issues

Fig 20: Farmer’s perception of major production constraints

Fig 21: % respondent keeping farm-records

Fig 22: Areas of interest of okra farmers

FFS on Export Okra Production in Thailand:

Conclusions and Recommendations

It is recommended that a national workshop is organised to take stock of the available

• Research and development priorities:

- Farmer access and experimentation with better disease-resistant varieties

Unavailability of reliable virus-resistant varieties at farmers’ level has been identified as a

- Long term research priorities (Relevant to DoA/ research organisation)

a. Resistance management for key insect-pests;

• Development of an Export Okra Growers Association (Relevant to okra contract

Bernd Hardeweg (2002); Economics of Vegetable Production in Thailand; Institute of

DoAE (2002): Vegetable group; Department of Agriculture Extension, Royal Thai