Abstract:
This study aims to compare costs and returns of para rubber between latex and para rubber sheet. Rubber farmers in Nakornsrithammarat Province, planting para rubber 10-20 'rai's, were interviewed using open-end questionnaires. Costs and returns were determined as per rai latex joint cost. After further production, some incremental costs were increased to result in the rubber para sheet and returns were higher from the product sold at higher price.The findings are as follows. Annual per 'rai' latex production cost equals to 5,958 baht, consisted of labor cost 3,375 baht, resulting in the rate of return 54.96%. Annual per 'rai' para rubber sheet production cost equals to 6,882 baht, consisted of labor cost 3,535 baht, resulting in the rate of return 49.49%. The evidence suggests that rubber farmers produce and sell latex, instead of para rubber sheets, since the rate of return of latex is higher than that of para rubber sheet. Some significant problems in planting para rubber are being force the price of latex down and lack of capital, labor, and academic knowledge in para rubber plantation.