2023-07-11 06:54:00
Chumphon Province in Thailand has emerged as the largest producer of Robusta coffee in the country, contributing significantly to the income of local farmers. With a planting area of over 178,000 rai and an annual output of 24,000 tons, Chumphon Robusta coffee generates more than 1,500 million baht in income for farmers. The unique taste of Chumphon coffee can be attributed to its flat topography and suitable temperature range, creating ideal conditions for the growth of Robusta coffee.
Notably, Chumphon Province is home to more than 20 local entrepreneurs who produce a variety of coffee products, including roasted coffee, fresh coffee, powdered coffee, and instant coffee. These entrepreneurs receive support from government agencies in their efforts to enhance the quality of coffee and expand internationally.
However, coffee farmers in Chumphon face a major challenge in the form of a notorious enemy, the “moth,” which causes a decline in coffee quality. The coffee moth pierces the coffee fruit, leading to bitterness and changes in aroma, ultimately affecting the overall taste of the coffee. Consequently, these affected coffees are graded as lower quality products.
To combat the moth infestation and improve coffee production, Mr. Khemchai Funkhamai, a pioneer in Robusta coffee development in the southern region, has shared his expertise. Mr. Khemchai suggests using a natural and cost-effective method, utilizing waste materials to control and reduce the moth population. By implementing this method, coffee farmers can combat the destructive impact of the moth, contributing to higher-quality coffee.
Mr. Khemchai emphasizes the importance of trapping the coffee moth as an effective strategy. He recommends using a physical method, constructing a moth trapping device using readily available materials. The device consists of a clear plastic glass with a hole for entry, a red and yellow plastic board to attract the moths, rice husk charcoal or a cotton pad with a tempting agent, and a round plastic cup to prevent water entry. Farmers can set up multiple trapping devices across their coffee fields to minimize the infestation rate.
The production cost for each moth trapping device is less than 5 baht, making it an affordable solution for coffee growers. By incorporating physical, organic, and biological methods simultaneously, farmers in Chumphon can significantly reduce the risk of moth outbreaks. This trapping method has been widely used by coffee growers in the northern region and is just beginning to be adopted by Chumphon farmers.
One such farmer who has embraced this new approach is Mr. Sompoch, a coffee grower in Chumphon. With the guidance of Mr. Khemchai and Ms. Supita Kansut, Mr. Sompoch has implemented the moth trapping device in his coffee plantation. Previously unaware of the infestation issue, Mr. Sompoch is now equipped with the knowledge to combat weevils and improve the quality and quantity of his coffee beans.
The adoption of the moth trapping technique in Chumphon Province holds promise for promoting sustainable coffee production and enhancing the reputation of Chumphon Robusta coffee in national and international markets. With continued support from local entrepreneurs and government agencies, Chumphon is poised to maintain its position as the leading producer of Robusta coffee in Thailand.]
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