Comparison of cost and return for rubber farmers on innovations to increase latex production in Ban Khai District, Rayong Province, Thailand

Abstract

The findings revealed important distinctions between the two groups of farmers. Rubber farmers who opted for ethylene gas incurred a total cost of 13,973.50 baht, comprising a total fixed cost of 1,202.02 baht and a total variable cost of 12,771.48 baht. These farmers achieved a total return of 17,955 baht per rai. On the other hand, rubber farmers who refrained from using ethylene gas reported a significantly different financial performance. For this group, the total cost amounted to 9,813.49 baht, consisting of a total fixed cost of 1,202.02 baht and a total variable cost of 8,611.48 baht, while the total return per rai amounted to 10,299.57 baht. Statistical analysis indicated that the total variable costs and returns for rubber cultivation significantly differed between the two groups of farmers at a significant level of .05. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the total fixed costs. Extension services and training programmes should be provided to educate farmers on the proper and safe use of ethylene gas to maximise its benefits and minimise potential risks. Furthermore, further research could explore the long-term sustainability and environmental impact of using ethylene gas in rubber cultivation to better understand its overall implications for the industry.