Factors Affecting Table Grape Production: An Introductory Analysis

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze factors affecting table grape production in Thailand. The table grape growers were collected using questionnaire approach. The statistical method consisted of mean, percentage, standard deviation and multiple regression through backward elimination. The results revealed: (1) Personal factors showed that the respondent farmers were male 67.42% and female 32.58% with a primary school level education (49.44%) and average age of 10.16 years. 84.27% of the farmers are devoted to viticulture as the main occupation. (2) Economic factors showed that average production, income, and cost of producing grape were 33.74 tons per year. 1,752,776.40 Baht per year, and 621,348.31 Baht per year, respectively. Average of 7.58 persons and 6.85 persons were hired as daily-paid and monthly-paid employee. Average planted areas were 10.22 Rai and 67.42% of the farmers had enough water use all year round. 37.08% of the farmers were indebted and 90.91% of them were indebted for the purpose of expenditure in factors of production. (3) Social factors showed that most of the framers had not participated in any groups (87.64%), received any promoting (96.63%), and received any training (82.02%) on viticulture. (4) Technology factors showed that planted grape varieties of the respondent farmers were Black Opal (50.56%) and White Malacca (49.44%). 71.91% of the farmers planted grape in upside-down U-shape and 68.54% of the farmers pruned the grape using traditional style. (5) The results of multiple regression analysis showed that factors affecting table grape production including income from grape production, daily-paid and monthly-paid employee, planted grape areas, and adequacy of water supply for grape production all year round.