Abstract:
This research on Costs and Returns on Investment in the Cultivation of Petchsairung Rose Apples in Petchaburi Prov was aimed to study and analyze the costs and returns from the investment in the cultivation of Petchsairung rose apples which had a better quality in terms of its pulp, taste Sd flavor; to compare the costs and returns from the investment on growing of rose apples in small-size of gardens (with growing space of 5 Rais) and medium-size ef gardens (with growing space of 5 - 10 Rais); as well as to find out inherent problems and obstructions on the growing and marketing of Petchsairung rose apples.The research study used a speciftc random sampling from the Petchaburi agriculturists who grow Petchsairung rose apples. 90 farmers were selected out of the total of 477, or 18.87% of the total numbers, composing of 58 small-size rose apples orchards and 32 medium-size rose apples orchards.The data on the costs and the productivity from the beginning of growing rose apples until the 25 were collected using questionnaires and interviews. The significant test on the difference of costs and productivity between orchards of different sizes was analyzed. The analysis of returns used the payback period method (PB), the net present value method (NPV), and the internal rate of return method (IRR).The results of this research study showed that the costs of investment for the medium-size Petchsairung rose apples orchards were significantly lower than the small-size Petchsairung rose apples orchards in the 1" and 3 year due to the costs of start up and costs of scaffolds. The average 25 year costs of small-size orchards were Baht 56,311.00 per year and while the average costs pertaining to medium-size orchards were Baht 52,901.10 per year. The major costs were the 4epreciation costs of agricultural equipment and tools. The productivity pertaining to medium-size orchards was significantly lower than in the small size orchards in the 3 and 4 because agriculturists running medium-size orchards for would often pluck off fruits in the first few years so that the productivity might improve in later years. With the selling price of Baht 23.- at least, a payback period of 7 - 8 years would be achieved. The small-size rose apples orchards would yield the internal rate of return of at least 11.93% and the net present value of at least Baht 25,417.07. The medium-size rose apples orchards gave the internal rate of return of at least 16.16% and the net present value of at least Baht 50,120.44Problems presently faced by agriculturists of Petchsairung Strain rose apples on both growing and distribution were the high costs of productionespecially on the investment on making bamboo scaffolds which were scarce and more expensive. The quality of rose apples was lower due to the fluctuated weather conditions which made it more difficult to keep the quality under control. The selling price was cheaper because other strains of rose apples emerged in the market and compete on pricing. Furthermore, agriculturists were frequently taken advantaged of by middlemen merchants.The recommendations from this research study were that agriculturists form a group to solve marketing mechanism and to increase bargaining power with the middlemen merchants. Finally they should open their own member groups outlets to sell of Petchsairung rose apples directly to consumers and create a trade brand name for an added marketing value.