Oil Palm Farming: A Reflection of Economic Crop Production of Satun People ปุรวิชญ์ พิทยาภินันท์ และ พลากร สัตย์ซื่อ

Abstract

Oil palm is an important economic crop in Satun province. Therefore, this research aims to find out the oil palm smallholders’ oil palm production conditions and oil palm farming management in Satun province. Primary data were collected using a structured interview, non-participant observations, and natural conversations from a total sample of 387 oil palm smallholders, using the mixed method sampling technique. Descriptive statistics and manifest content analysis were applied for data analysis as well. The results reveal that the oil palm smallholders do not inherit oil palm farming from their ancestors. Furthermore, they are very experienced in oil palm farming. The main objective of their oil palm farming is to have an occupation that is a source of income for their households. Household labors are the main workers of oil palm farming. The planted oil palms are Tenera type. Additionally, the harvested oil palm yields are sold to private ramps. The related government agencies should formulate plans to increase the oil palm smallholders’ efficiency of oil palm production.