Authors:
Romtheera Phachanon, Bodee Putsyainunt, P. Paul Jose
Addresses:
Department of Economics, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Khon Kaen University, Nong Khai Campus, Nong Khai, Thailand. Department of Commerce, Tharananellur Arts and Science College, Irinjalakuda, Kerala, India.
Abstract:
The transition between lychee varieties has significantly influenced the economic dynamics of farming communities in northern Thailand. This study examines the shift between two lychee varieties and compares optimal production models under increasing climate variability. A mixed-methods approach was applied, using structured schedules with 120 lychee-farming households and in-depth interviews with seven key informants, including farmer leaders. Quantitative analysis employed descriptive statistics (frequencies, means, and percentages) to compare profitability across four production models: wrapped and non-wrapped cultivation of two lychee varieties. Qualitative data were analysed thematically to contextualise economic changes, group formation, and farmer adaptation strategies. Results show that the traditional variety, valued for fresh-market and industrial demand, incurs an average annual loss of 3,283.33 THB per household without fruit wrapping due to heat-induced pericarp browning. In contrast, wrapped production yields a net profit of 30,667 THB. The heat-tolerant variety introduced in 2017 demonstrates stronger resilience, generating 42,583.33 THB without wrapping and 39,833.33 THB with wrapping. The highest return (2,876.42 THB per rai) occurs under non-wrapped cultivation of the newer variety. An optimal strategy combines 70% wrapped traditional cultivation with 30% non-wrapped heat-tolerant production, maximising income stability. The transition has strengthened farmer cooperatives, value-added processing, and local economic circulation while maintaining traditional rural structures despite persistent household debt.
Keywords: Community Organisation; Lychee Varieties; Hong Huay Lychee; Varietal Adaptation; Fruit Bagging; Community Economy; Climate-Resilient Agriculture; Cost-Return Analysis.
Received on: 02/02/2025, Revised on: 07/04/2025, Accepted on: 04/06/2025, Published on: 03/01/2026
DOI: 10.64091/ATITP.2026.000266
AVE Trends in Intelligent Technoprise Letters, 2026 Vol. 3 No. 1 , Pages: 1–18