Supply chain management of cabbage in Petchaboon Province, Thailand

Cabbage is one of the most important vegetables in Thailand, with production per year of about 222,826 tons and Phu-Tub-Berg in Petchaboon province as the largest producing area. Initial observation showed that the cultivation and distribution of cabbage to the consumers are seriously faced with postharvest loss problems due to improper cultivation practices and the long and complex supply chain. To assess the upstream supply chain stage, production analysis following the Supply Chain Operation Reference (SCOR) model was performed through in-depth interview of 50 cabbage growers. Results reveal that all growers were not engaged in contract farming. However, 22% of the growers followed the guidelines of good agricultural practice (GAP). Most growers (56%) had a production area for cabbage ranging from 0.16-0.8 hectare. Cabbage cultivar grown depended on growers' experience and extension advice from a seed company. GAP certified farms yielded about 46.56 tons/hectare, higher than that in non-GAP farms (41.25 ton/hectare). Although cabbage prices did not differ between GAP and non-GAP farms, the yield increase in GAP farms gave benefits to growers.