BABY CORN PRODUCTION, PROCESSING AND MARKETING

IN THAILAND

Report Submitted to
Field Fresh Foods Pvt. Ltd
Gurgaon
India
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

TABLE OF CONTENTS i
LIST OF TABLES iii
LIST OF FIGURES iii
INTRODUCTION 1
1. MARKET OVERVIEW 1
1.1 World Market Overview 1
1.2 Thai Market Overview 2
2. PRODUCTION AREA AND CROP ENVIRONMENT 4
2.1 General Environmental Requirements 4
3. BABY CORN VARIETY AND AVAILABILITY 6
4. DETERMINING LABOR AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS 8
5. BABY CORN PRODUCTION COST, PRICE AND MARKETING IN 10
THAILAND
5.1 Baby Corn Production Cost and Return 10
5.2 Baby Corn Prices 11
5.3 Baby Corn Marketing 14
6. PRODUCTION PROCEDURES AND INPUTS 15
6.1 Land Preparations 15
6.2 Soil Analysis 15
6.3 Planting Method 15
6.4 Seed Rate 16
6.5 Irrigation 16
6.6 Fertilization 17
6.7 Weeding 18
6.8 Detasseling 18
6.9 Crop Protection 18
6.10 Harvesting and Storage 20
6.11 Yield and Recovery Yield 20
7. BABY CORN PRODUCTION CONSTRAINTS 22
7.1 Quality Problem 22
7.2 Price Fluctuation 23
7.3 Local Market Problem 23
7.4 Export Problem 23
8. STANDARD REQUIREMENTS FOR BABY CORN PRODUCT 25
8.1 Fresh Baby Corn 25
8.2 Canned Baby Corn 25
8.3 Frozen Baby Corn 26
9. BABY CORN POSTHARVEST PROCEDURES 27
9.1 Buying Processes of Factory 27
 Title Page

9.2 Processing of Canned Baby Corn 29

10. IMPLEMENTATION OF GLOBAL GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE 33
10.1 Good Agricultural Practice Standard 33
10.2 QA System 36
10.3 Criteria and Conditions for Farm Certification Quality Management System 42
10.4 CODEX Standard for Baby Corn 47
11. BABY CORN FARMING/BUSINESS STRUCTURE 52
11.1 Farm Operation 52
11.2 Farm Auditing 52
11.3 Collection and Grading 53
11.4 Pack-House and Processing 53
11.5 Community Development 53
11.6 Environment 53
11.7 Ethical trading 53
12. COMMERCIAL THAI COMPANIES 55

ii
 LIST OF TABLES

Table Title Page

1 Baby corn export from Thailand during 2002-2004 3

2 Baby corn import countries in 2004 3
3 Regional production in Thailand in 2004 4
4 Popular baby corn varieties and their characteristics 7
5 Example of production planning of baby corn for the expected product with 9
husk not less than 2000 kg/day in the area of 4ha1/
6 Baby corn growing area, production, yield, farm gate price and farm value, 10
crop year 1997/98-2003-04
7 Cost of baby corn production in 2004/2005 average from the whole country 11
8 The prices of baby corn without husk during 1999-2005 12
9 The prices of baby corn with husk during 1999-2005 13
10 Recommended herbicides for baby corn production 18
11 Recommended insecticides for baby corn production 19
12 Recommended fungicides for baby corn production 19
13 Principles, criteria and assessments for quality management system: Good 37
Agricultural Practice

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Title Page

1 Production schedule for baby corn production from sowing and harvest dates 4
2 Monthly average wholesale price of baby corn without husk during 1999-2005 12
3 Monthly average wholesale price of baby corn with husk during 1999-2005 13
4 Marketing flow of baby corn in west region of Thailand 14
5 Ridged planting 16
6 Planting tools of the farmer in Kanjana Buri Province, Thailand 16
7 Furrowing irrigation 17
8 Baby corn planting in Kanjana Buri Province, Thailand 17
9 Baby corn products 20
10 Baby corn hush for animal feeding 21
11 Fresh baby corn production process 26
12 Baby corn selling processes from farmer to broker in Kanjanaburi Province 28
13 Production process diagram of canned baby corn 31
14 Export procedures for baby corn from Thailand 32
15 Processes of checking on toxic in vegetables for export 44
16 Business structure for fresh and frozen baby corn factory 52

iii
 BABY CORN PRODUCTION, PROCESSING AND MARKETING IN
THAILAND

INTRODUCTION

Baby corn is the ear of maize plant (Zea mays L.) harvested young, especially before or just after
the silks has emerged and no fertilization has taken place. The de-husked ears can be eaten as a
vegetable, whose delicate flavor and crispiness are much in demand in Thailand and abroad.
Baby corn is free from pesticide and its nutritional value is comparable to cauliflower, cabbage,
tomato, eggplant and cucumber. Its by-products, such as tassel, young husk, silk and green stalk,
provide good cattle feed. Cattle manure can then be used, enabling organic recycling through the
plant-animal chain. Baby corn provides many food benefits to people. Farmers can grow four to
five crops a year. Thus production of baby corn generates employment among the rural poor of
all ages. Brokers who buy from farmers, canneries, wholesale and retail merchants in Bangkok
and exporters have already benefited from this crop in Thailand.

In the past two decades, baby corn production has proved a remarkable success for farmers and
the nation as a whole and has lessons for replication elsewhere.

1. MARKET OVERVIEW

1.1 World Market Overview

Baby corn production and markets are expanding worldwide, especially in Asia, Africa and South
America, although Asia has the highest baby corn consumption. Baby corn is usually consumed
as fresh; however, frozen and canned baby corn also has a large market share particularly for
export. Countries known as major exporters of baby corn include Thailand, Sri Lanka, Taiwan,
China, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Indonesia, South Africa, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and
Honduras. Major baby corn markets are U.K., the U.S., Malaysia, Taiwan, Japan and Australia.
However, statistical information on baby corn production is limited because many producing
countries either neglect to make a report of baby corn production or barely include it in sweet
corn production. The available information of world market situation of baby corn in each region
is summarized as follows:

North America:

One of the largest baby corn markets is the U.S. Many countries in North America usually
import fresh baby corn. However, fresh baby corn is rarely available in retail businesses such as
supermarkets. It is usually used in high-end restaurants, which prefer unhusked baby corn. As for
canned baby corn, the U.S. mostly imports it from Asia including Thailand, Taiwan, and
Indonesia. Factories in the U.S. prefer to buy baby corn in can, and make it into brined baby corn
in glass jars. Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) baby corn has the smallest market share in the U.S.
market in comparison to other processed baby corn products because of its high price.

1
Europe:

European countries import fresh baby corn more than the U.S. Fresh Baby corn is in most
demand here. Baby corn products are imported both in loose and pre-packed forms, though the
later is more prevalent. U.K. is the largest fresh baby corn market in the Europe. In this country,
fresh baby corn is normally distributed through retailers such as supermarkets. This contrasts with
the U.S. market, where fresh baby corn is used primarily in restaurants.
To European countries, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Kenya are known as major
exporting countries. The Netherlands is also considered an exporter to this region. But, it is not
actually a producer because it imports baby corn from Asia and Africa, and re-exports baby corn
to northern Europe as well as the Middle East.

Middle East:

The import volume of baby corn in Middle East countries is mainly accounted for by the
Netherlands. However, baby corn from the Netherlands, in fact, comes from Asia and Africa. The
country just imports baby corn from other producers, and re-exports it to many countries in this
region. Buyers in the Middle East generally import baby corn in the pre-packed form like
European importers. In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is the largest importer of canned baby corn.

Asia:

World baby corn supplies mostly come from Asian countries. Therefore, they are regarded as
producers rather than importers. However, there are some Asian countries that import a lot of
baby corn. These are, for instance, Japan, Malaysia, which usually import canned baby corn.

1.2 Thai Market Overview

Baby corn for domestic and foreign consumption has become a significant contributor to the Thai
economy. Baby corn fresh, frozen and canned becomes more and more popular both in Thailand
and abroad. Out of 174,127 tons of baby corn production (2004), 61% was under domestic
consumption, while 39% was exported to other countries. It earns the country more than 1 billion
Baht (1 US$@39 Baht) each year. With a short period of cultivation, only 45-60 days, farmers
can reap the crop and fetch 12,500-18,750 Baht per ha. Also, there are few pests to attack the
plant. Moreover, parts of baby corn trees after harvest can be used as animal feed, especially for
meat and milk cows.

In the global trade, Thailand is estimated to account for 80 percent of the world trade volume of
baby corn. During 2002-2004, Thailand exported fresh baby corn to approximately 30 countries,
and preserved baby corn products to almost 100 countries. Thailand dominates the world baby
corn trade with both fresh and canned products, thus having earned about 1,700 million Baht each
year (Table 1). Among the two products, canned baby corn was exported at a higher volume than
fresh baby corn during the last three years. Thailand manufactures canned baby corn products in
various package sizes, but a 1.5-kilogram can size conforms to industry standards, and is
prevalently popular among food processors and the food-service industry. As for fresh baby corn

2
markets, Malaysia is the biggest importing countries with the share of around 51% of the export
volume.

Table 1: Baby corn exports from Thailand during 2002-2004

Canned baby corn Value Fresh baby corn Value

(Tons) (Baht)* (Tons) (Baht)
2002 61,413 1,643 3,954 173
2003 62,830 1,645 8,444 197
2004 63,473 1,675 3,853 244
*
Source: Department of Agricultural Extension, 2005 ( 1 US$@39 Baht)

Many countries import baby corn from Thailand. In 2004, U.S.A was Thailand's largest export
market for baby corn, accounting for 31.2 percent of Thailand's total export volume (Table 2).
Food processors in the U.S. prefer to buy canned baby corn while countries in the European
region prefer the fresh product. U.K. is the largest customer of Thailand for fresh baby corn,
however, there are high competitors mostly from African countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia,
and Kenya while Sri Lanka is also one big exporter in the European market. This has resulted in a
decrease in Thailand's market share.

The import volume of baby corn in Middle East countries is mainly accounted for the
Netherlands. However, baby corn from the Netherlands, in fact, comes from Asia and Africa. The
country imports baby corn from other producers, and re-exports it to many countries in this
region. Buyers in the Middle East generally import baby corn in the pre-packed form like
European importers. In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is the largest importer of canned baby corn.

Within Asian countries, Malaysia is the largest importing country followed by Japan, Hong Kong
and Singapore. Japan and Singapore imported fresh baby corn more than canned baby corn, while
Hong Kong is high exporting country of Thai canned baby corn.

Table 2: Baby corn importing countries in 2004

Country Export volume (tones) Percent (%)

U.S.A. 21,029 31.2
Japan 4,820 7.2
England 4,229 6.3
The Netherlands 4,201 6.2
Canada 3,744 5.6
Australia 3,503 5.2
Germany 3,280 4.9
Others 22,520 33.5
Source: Department of Agricultural Extension, 2005

3
 2. PRODUCTION AREA AND CROP ENVIRONMENT

Baby corn is one of the highly adapted crops which can be grown throughout the country. In
Thailand, the estimated baby corn production over the country was 174, 127 tons in 2004. Its
major producing areas are in the West and North and some provinces in the Northeast, which
produced more than 90% of the total baby corn production of the country (Table 3). The major
provinces of baby corn production are Kanchanaburi, Nakhon pathom, Ratchaburi, Nakhon
sawan and Nakhon ratchasima.

Table 3: Regional production in Thailand in 2004

Region Volume (tones) Percent (%)

North 18,259 10.49
Northeast 962 0.55
Central 608 0.35
East 73 0.04
West 153,695 88.27
South 530 0.30
Total 174,127 100
Source: Department of Agricultural Extension, 2005

2.1 General Environmental Requirements

Baby corn grows well in a wide range of soil types but it thrives best in loose soil, which drains
well. A suitable soil for baby corn has a wide pH range. It can also grow in very acid soil, but
cannot grow in wetland with low drainage. As for temperature, the plant prefers full sunlight
necessary to its growth. Consequently, successful growth requires a minimum average
temperature of 24-35 °C. Nevertheless, the daytime temperature exceeds 35 °C; baby corn may
be injured slow growth. Baby corn can be grown year-round, approximately 4-5 times a year. The
resulting in schedule for baby corn production throughout the year is shown in Figure 1.

No. of Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
crop
1 st crop
2 nd crop
3 rd crop
4 th crop
5 th crop

Figure 1: Production schedule for baby corn production from sowing and harvest dates

According to the Department of Agriculture, Thailand, the growing environments recommended

for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in Thailand are as follows:

4
1. Topography

o Can grow in every region of Thailand where there is water availability

o Flat plain area and slop less than 5%
o No water logging
o Far from pollution source
o Good transportation system, near collector, market and factory

2. Soil type
o Loam, loamy clay mix with sand or loam mix with sand
o High fertility, organic matter should not be less than 1.5%, available phosphorus
more than 10 mg/kg and exchangeable potassium not less than 40 mg/kg
o Loose soil, which drains well
o Soil surface depth 25-30 cm
o pH ~ 5.5-6.8

3. Climate

o Year-round. Baby corn can be grown 4-5 times a year.

o Temperature between 24-35 0C
o Average rainfall distribution 1,000-1,200 mm/year
o Full sunlight

4. Water source

o Water availability for the whole growing season

o Clean water without polluted organic or inorganic contamination

5
 3. BABY CORN VARIETY AND AVAILABILITY

In Thailand, baby corn varietals improvement has been started since 1976 with the initial
approach to develop open-pollinated variety (OPV). In 1981, researchers were able to release
Rangsit-1, a composite variety that met desirable characteristics as high yield, yellow in ear color,
good kernel arrangement, downy mildew resistance and wide environmental adaptation. This
variety was widely used by farmers for some time before the introduction of a hybrid variety. The
key progress for hybrid varietals development was the cooperative involvement of researchers
from the public and private sectors in an integrated approach. International agencies also
provided breeding materials, support for research and human resources, making sustained
research and development. Nowadays, researchers have been more focused on various research
aspects of hybrid variety. In their opinion, hybrid variety is superior to composite variety since it
can produce ears with better quality in terms of flavor, texture and higher standard sizes. Thus,
breeding of baby corn variety emphasize on the high quality of young cobs and downy mildew
resistant cultivars. Large germ plasma collections of corn are maintained at the Kasetsart
University, the Department of Agriculture and local seed companies.

There are differences in demand for baby corn varieties. The varietals preference is varied from
place to place. Each of them has its own different suitability and advantage. In rain fed area,
farmers prefer opened pollinated variety since it is more resistance to the unsuitable environment.
However, hybrid varieties are more popular than open pollinated varieties in most areas because
of uniformity of cob size, cob height, plant height, flowering and silking date, and maturity
harvesting period. Besides, they produce higher and better quality yield than open-pollinated ones
and get a good acceptance from the producing factories. Comparisons of significant
characteristics of selected popular varieties in Thailand are shown in Table 4.

6
 Table 4: Popular baby corn varieties and their characteristics

Variety
Characteristics Hybrid Open-pollinated
1/
G 5414 SG 18 Pacific-116 Pacific-283 Uniseeds Kasetsart2 Chieng- Suwan2
B-65 mai90
Yield with husks (ton/ha) 11.25-12.50 10.63- 9.38-10 13.75-15 11.25- 10-11.25 5.44-7.5 4.66
15.63 11.88
Yield without husk (kg/ha) 1687-2375 1875-2687 1,687- 2,187- 1,875- 1,750- 937- 750
1,812 2,500 2,187 1,875 1,250
Exchange rate 2/ 6.5:1 6:1 5.5:1 6:1 6:1 5.5:1 6:1 6:1
No of cob/plant 2-3 2-3 3 3-4 2-3 2 2-3 2
Cob color Light yellow Light Yellow Light Yellow Light Yellow Yellow
yellow yellow yellow
Uniformity of cob Very good Very good Very good Very good Very good Very good Good Fair
Detasselling (DAP) 44 - 46-48 45-47 52 - 40-42 40-43
Length of silk at 3-5 3-5 3-5 3-5 3-5 1-3 3-4 3-5
harvesting (cm)
First harvesting age (DAP) 49 50-52 48-50 47-49 54 51 43-45 45-48
Harvesting period (day) 5-6 5-6 6-8 5-7 5-6 5 5-10 5-10
Downy mildew resistant Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good
Strength of stem Strong Strong Strong Strong Strong Strong Fair Moderate
Releasing agency Syngenta Syngenta Pacific Pacific Uniseed Kasetsart Department Kasetsart
Seed Co. Ltd Seed Co. Seed Co. Seed Co. Co. Ltd University of University
Ltd Ltd Ltd Agriculture

1/
No detasselling because it is sterilized
2/
Ratio of yield with husk and yield without husk
 4. DETERMINING LABOR AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

The majority of baby corn growers in Thailand have long experience in growing baby corn from
their own parents; however, they are not familiar with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). The
training is necessary when the farmer want to adopt GAP. The department of Agriculture and
Department of Agricultural Extension are responsible to train these farmers, 1-2 times at the
beginning and some additional seasonal/critical growing period training if necessary. At the same
time the officers have to monitor them in the field during every production process to make sure
that the farmer can follow GAP properly. Besides, most companies also provide specific training
to their contract farmers in some critical production stages.

Although baby corn is well-adapted short period growing crop, it requires intensive labour for
good production. The most critical periods for baby corn are during detasselling and harvesting.
To avoid this problem the farmer are recommended to divide their area to small plots of 0.16-0.2
ha and delay growing period of each small plot 5-7 day as show in the Table 5.

8
Table 5: Example of production planning of baby corn for the expected product with husk not less than 2,000 kg/day in the area of 4 ha.1/

Harvesting date (on February) Harvesting date (on March)

Planting 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
date
1 Jan 100 150 300 400 700 500 600 600 400 250
2 Jan 100 150 300 400 700 500 600 600 400 250
3 Jan 100 150 300 400 700 500 600 600 400 250
4 Jan 100 150 300 400 700 500 600 600 400 250
5 Jan 100 150 300 400 700 500 600 600 400 250
10 Jan 100 150 300 400 700 500 600 600 400 250
11 Jan 100 150 300 400 700 500 600 600 400 250
12 Jan 100 150 300 400 700 500 600 600 400 250
13 Jan 100 150 300 400 700 500 600 600 400 250
14 Jan 100 150 300 400 700 500 600 600 400 250
Yield with 100 250 550 950 1650 2050 2500 2800 2800 2450 2100 1800 1600 1900 2050 2500 2800 2800 2350 1850 1250 650 250
husk (kg)
Yield 14 35 77 134 232 289 352 394 394 345 296 253 225 268 289 352 394 394 331 260 176 92 35
without
husk (kg) 2/
Remarks: 1/ Assume that the first planting series is during 1-5 January and the second series is during 10-14 January, each day grown 0.8 ha.
The delay of one series to another is 4 days (this period is used for seed, fertilizer and labor preparation)

Before start planning to meet yield with husk 2,000 kg/day in the area of 4 ha, the farmer should try with 0.16 ha with complete
record from the first day till the last days of harvesting.
2/
Calculated from the exchange rate at 7.1:1

Source : Rakhakul, 2004

9
 5. BABY CORN PRODUCTION COST, PRICE AND MARKETING IN THAILAND

5.1 Baby Corn Production Cost and Return

In comparison of baby corn production between year1997/1998 and 2003/2004, total production
area of baby corn in Thailand was increased from 29,115 ha to 34,858 ha while the total
production was increased from 215,122 tons to 249,303 tons or increased to 19.7% and 23.4%
respectively as shown in Table 6. However the trend of average yield per ha was decreased may
be due to deterioration of soil fertility since most of the farmers grow corn continuously the
whole year round with very rare organic fertilizer application.

Major investment of baby corn is labor cost since it is labor intensive requirement crop. Although
pesticide is not intensively used in baby corn due to short duration crop, investment of fertilizer
and seed are considered high. Most of the farmers use hybrid seed from the company which
require high dose of fertilizer application. In addition, with the new regulation of import, country
also force the farmers to have many additional investments to improve their production process to
meet the standard requirement of the consumer.

Table 6: Baby Corn growing area, production, yield, farm gate price and farm value, crop year
1997/98-2003-04

Harvested Yield per ha Farm gate

Year Planted area Production Farm value
area (kg) price
1,000
(ha) (ha) /(PA) /(HA) (Baht/kg) (million Baht)
(tons)
1997/98 29115.84 27991.2 215.122 7387.5 7687.5 20.62 4,435.816

1998/99 29168.48 28216.8 199.810 6850.0 7081.3 15.22 3,041.108

1999/00 26175.04 22813.6 189.624 7243.8 8312.5 19.05 3,612.337

2000/01 24623.2 22580.5 177.142 7193.8 7843.8 18.25 3,232.842

2001/02 37179.52 34852.6 284.130 7643.8 8150.0 17.21 4,889.877

2002/03 37380.8 36032.5 255.221 6825.0 7081.3 17.63 4,499.546

2003/04 34858.24 34556.5 249.303 7151.9 7214.4 18.69 4,659.473

Source : Department of Agricultural Extension, 2005
/PA = Planting Area
/HA = Harvesting Area

10
 Table 7: Cost of baby corn production in 2004/2005 average from the whole country

Without husk With husk

Item Cash None Total Cash None Total
cash cash
Baht
1. Variable costs 15331.4 5027.5 20358.9 11784.4 2784.8 14569.1
1.1 Labor 7305.0 4824.8 12129.8 5049.4 2705.0 7754.4
Land preparation 2422.3 115.3 2537.6 1687.3 146.4 1833.6
Planting 464.1 416.8 880.9 294.8 181.1 475.9
Management 506.8 2607.4 3114.2 596.9 902.1 1498.9
Harvesting 3911.9 1685.3 5597.1 2470.6 1475.4 3946.0
1.2 Materials 7652.4 80.1 7732.6 6447.5 11.8 6459.3
Seed 2419.1 41.3 2460.3 2104.5 0.0 2104.5
Fertilizer 4182.6 0.0 4182.6 3608.9 0.0 3608.9
Pesticide + herbicide 575.3 0.0 575.3 303.3 0.0 303.3
Fuel 221.7 0.0 221.7 193.1 0.0 193.1
Agricultural equipments & 247.5 36.3 283.8 219.0 11.1 230.1
other materials
Repair and maintenance 6.3 2.6 8.9 18.7 0.7 19.4
1.3 Capital opportunities cost 373.9 122.6 496.6 287.4 67.9 355.4
2. Fixed cost 0.0 2043.7 2043.7 0.0 1780.8 1780.8
Land rent 0.0 1943.9 1943.9 0.0 1649.3 1649.3
Equipment depreciation value 0.0 93.1 93.1 0.0 126.3 126.3
Equipment investment 0.0 6.6 6.6 0.0 5.2 5.2
opportunities cost
3. Total cost/ha (Baht/ha) 15331.4 7071.2 22402.6 11784.4 4565.6 16349.9
4. Total cost/kg (Baht/kg) 7.3 0.0 10.6 1.5 0.0 2.1
5. Yield per hectare (kg/ha) 2110.1 7888.6
6. Farmer price at the field (Baht/kg) 16.0 2.3
7. Return per hectare (Baht) 33804.2 18380.4
8. Net return per hectare (Baht) 18472.8 0.0 11401.6 6596.0 0.0 2030.4
9. Net return per kilogram (Baht) 8.8 0.0 5.4 0.8 0.0 0.3
Source: Office of Agricultural Economics, 2005

5.2 Baby Corn Prices

While the cost of investment of baby corn seems to increase every year, the price of baby corn is
almost no different from the last ten years (Table 8 and 9). The price is high during rainy season
since the supply is less and the farmers have to delay their planting due to difficulty of land
preparation (Figure 2). However, nowadays, there are increasing number of livestock farms near
baby corn production area, the farmer can have additional income from the sell of baby corn
stems after harvesting about 4375-5000 Baht/ha and also husk after removing cob at the price of
0.5 Baht/kg.

11
 Table 8: The prices of baby corn without husk during 1999-2005

Price of baby corn without husk, 1999-2005

(Baht/kg)
Month/Year 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Average
Jan. 20.83 14.67 16.42 19.75 20.44 19.25 18.58 18.56
Feb. 20.8 13.25 17.21 18.55 18.04 19.92 20.58 18.34
March 21.67 12.25 17.91 18.42 14 19.8 20.67 17.82
April 23.72 13 18.33 17.21 17 19.89 20.78 18.56
May 19.48 18.2 18.33 16.23 18.83 20 20.34 18.77
June 19.35 24.5 15.71 17.48 19.73 20.33 20.67 19.68
July 20.25 20 15.82 16.8 17.08 20.37 20.67 18.71
Aug. 16.5 17.75 16.83 15.58 18.08 21.67 22 18.34
Sep. 17.87 16.37 17.54 17.12 20.67 22.25 23.58 19.34
Oct. 17.37 16.9 15.62 16.83 20.33 21.04 23.6 18.81
Nov. 17 15.57 19.04 18.29 19.35 20.04 24.42 19.10
Dec. 15 15.6 17.74 19.31 20.67 20.96 - 18.21
Average 19.16 16.51 17.21 17.63 18.69 20.46 21.44 18.73
Source: Office of Agricultural Economics, 2005

Price of price
Average babyofcorn
baby without husk
corn without during
husk during1999-2005
1999-2005

20.00
19.50
Price (baht/kg)

19.00
18.50
18.00
17.50
17.00
16.50
Jan Feb March April May June July Aug sep Oct Nov

Month

Figure 2: Monthly average wholesale price of baby corn without husk during 1999-2005

12
 Table 9: The prices of baby corn with husk during 1999-2005

Price of baby corn with husk, 1999-2005

(Unit: Baht/kg)
Month/Year 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Avg.
Jan 3.42 4.00 3.26 3.34 3.93 2.25 2.42 3.23
Feb 2.73 3.14 3.00 2.78 3.28 2.00 2.50 2.78
March 2.79 2.71 2.97 2.70 2.96 3.00 1.50 2.66
April 2.74 2.76 3.32 3.16 2.90 3.33 2.50 2.96
May 2.92 2.93 3.41 3.48 3.60 2.93 2.25 3.07
June 3.05 2.84 2.78 3.18 4.57 2.75 2.03 3.03
July 2.82 2.54 2.88 3.07 3.56 2.00 2.27 2.73
Aug 2.64 2.67 3.00 2.76 2.82 2.60 3.67 2.88
Sep 2.30 2.67 2.72 3.16 3.00 3.00 2.91 2.82
Oct 2.40 2.53 2.98 3.14 2.25 3.00 2.57 2.70
Nov 2.93 3.31 3.60 3.03 2.81 2.61 2.81 3.01
Dec 4.11 3.59 3.41 3.26 2.87 2.84 - 3.35
Average 2.90 2.97 3.11 3.09 3.21 2.69 2.49 2.93
Source: Office of Agricultural Economics, 2005

Price of baby corn with husk during 1999-2005

Average price of baby corn with husk during 1999-2005
4.00
3.50
(baht/kg)

3.00
Price(Baht/kg)

2.50
2.00
1.50
Price

1.00
0.50
0.00
Jan Feb March April May June July Aug sep Oct Nov Dec

Month

Figure 3: Monthly average wholesale price of baby corn with husk during 1999-2005

13
5.3 Baby Corn Marketing

Most of baby corn growers in Thailand sell their products to the local broker. One broker
normally have farmers under his contract about 100-200 farmers. The broker will get the quota
from the factory and distribute it to their contract farmers. They can control product‟s quantity by
planning together with the farmer for the planting and harvesting period. After collecting the
product the broker will sell the good quality products to the factory, and the sub standard
products will be sold to local market or retailers which finally reach to the consumers (Figure 4).

2%

Retailer
Bangkok/other Consumers
3% provinces
%
5%
Broker in Bangkok
15%
Exporters
% (Bangkok...
95% % Songkhla
Baby corn 55 Local broker 5% Province
grower 100%

stem 70% Canned baby corn Foreign market

Samutsakorn % factory
Ratchaburi,
Nakornpathom husk 60%
Province husk
10%
Livestock farm husk
Domestic market

Figure 4: Marketing flow of baby corn in west region of Thailand

14
 6. PRODUCTION PROCEDURES AND INPUTS

In intensive baby corn production, planning is the most important issue and requires in order to
control production to meet both quantity and quality demand of the factory and market. Thus,
prior contact with the factory or broker regarding production is highly recommended.

For general, production practices of baby corn in Thailand are similar only with some small
differences according to the region. The Department of Agriculture, Thailand has developed the
GAP for baby corn production manual for farmer adoptions as follow:

6.1 Land Preparations

 A seedbed which is deep, well pulverized yet fairly compact is excellent for corn.
 For the first plowing use 3 bottom disc plow tractor with the depth of 20-30 cm.
 Plowing is done when the field is at the right moisture.
 Dry the soil 7-10 days then plow again with 7 bottom disc plow tractor
 Harrowing is done at the time the soil has the right moisture content. It is done again
within two days before planting to level the soil.
 A clayey and weedy field requires more plowing. In a weedy field where trash is plowed
under, a second or third operation may be needed to obtain a clean seedbed.

6.2 Soil Analysis

 If the soil pH lower than 5.5, lime application is recommended with the rate of 1,250
kg/ha
 If soil organic matter lower than 1.5%, compost fertilizer and complete digested manure
with the rate of 3,125-6,250 kg/ha is recommended

6.3 Planting Method

(1) Surface or flat-bed planting

Seeds are drilled or hill-planted on a level to slightly rolling topography at a desired depth
and row spacing. It is suited for areas with abundant precipitation and heavy soil types. Plant
spacing is 50x50 cm. 3-4 seeds /hill and thin out to retain only 2 plant/hill after 14 days.

(2) Listed planting

Seeds are placed at the bottom of the V-shaped furrow. A lister which is double mold board
blade is used for opening furrow of this kind. It is practiced in areas where rainfall is a
limiting factor, where soil is drainage is good and the soil is friable. Row spacing is 50 cm,
plant spacing 25-30 cm, 2-3 seeds/hill and thin out to retain only 2 pant/hill after 14 days.

15
 Figure 5: Ridged planting

The seeds are placed to a specified depth on top of the ridge. The conditions described in listed
planting are also appropriate for this type.

If the soil contains considerable moisture at planting time, the seeds should be planted from 2 to 5
cm deep. On dry soil, the seeds should be planted 5 to 8 cm deep.

6.4 Seed Rate

Seed germination should be higher than 85%, application rate should be 28-38 kg/ha.
Appropriate plant population will be 112,500- 125,000 plant/ha.

16
 Figure 6: Planting tools of the farmer in Kanjana Buri Province, Thailand

6.5 Irrigation

Baby corn trees grow well and yield good quality produce, when planted in soil having humidity
during all the cultivation period. If too much water is given to them, or a lack of water occurs for
a time, the trees will suffer interruption in growth and consequently yield low quality produce.
Defective ears result from a lack of water during corn ear producing time. In general, baby corn
plants should be consistently watered from the beginning of cultivation to the end of harvest.
When they are small, they should be watered every 2-3 days. As they reach the height of 50-60
centimeters, water should be given every 5-7 days. After that, every time soil gets dry, farmers
have to water the trees

Figure 7: Furrowing irrigation

6.6 Fertilization

If soil has organic matter, available phosphorus and exchangeable potassium should be lower
than 1.5%, 10 mg/kg, and 40 mg/kg, respectively. The recommended rate of fertilizer per hectare
is 312 kg of 15-15-15 in sandy loam soil or 16-20-0 in loamy or loamy clay soil. It should be
applied at the bottom of the hill and covered with 2 to 3 cm layer of soil before planting. When
the plant age of 20 day, apply 46-0-0, rate 312 kg/ha or 21-0-0 rate, 625 kg/ha, by side dress
application and reach the cover with soil.

17
 Figure 8: Baby corn planting in Kanjana Buri Province, Thailand

6.7 Weeding

Weeds are the unwanted plant companion of crops. Besides serving as host to plant pest and
diseases, weeds can reduce corn yield by as much as 50 to 80% if left uncontrolled.

Weeds are commonly controlled by hand weeding, hoeing within the rows and cultivation in
between the rows or herbicide as shown in Table 10.

Table 10: Recommended herbicides for baby corn production

Weed Herbicide Application rate/ 20 lit Application method

of water 1/
Annual weed Metolachlor (40% EC) 150 – 200 ml Spray pre-emergent
Alachlor (48% EC) 125-150 ml when the is moist
Acetochlor (50% EC) 80-120 ml
Paraquat (27.6% SL) 75-100 ml Spray 3-7 days
before plowing or
spray between row
after planting 20
days when the weed
have 2-3 leaves or
before weed
produce flower
Perennial weed Glyphosate (48% SL) 120-160 ml Spray before
Glufosinate-ammonium 300-400 ml planting or before
(15% SL) plowing 7-15 days
1/
Rate of water 500 lit/ha

18
6.8 Detasseling

Detasseling is achieved by removing all the tassels of corn plants. This is done as soon as the
tassels emerge. After detasseling 2-5 days, the first cob harvesting can be started.

6.9 Crop Protection

Pest and Disease

Insect Pests: The common insect pest which are usually found in baby corn are Spodoptera
exigue, corn stem borer. Details of each pest are as follows:

a). Spodoptera exigue This insect can destroy the crop by eating every young part during 1-2
week after planting. It is more violent during the dry period. To control this insect

b). Corn Stem Borer (Ostrinia furnacalis) Major damage caused by the borer occur at about 20
days up to harvesting stage by destroying the shoot, tassel and the stem causing poor quality of
crop. This damage will be more serious during the dry period. To control this insect pest,
monitoring the insect egg, worm, and damage on the crop regularly. If found during 20-30 days
after planting, the damage should spray insecticide as shown in Table 11.

Table 11: Recommended insecticides for baby corn production

Insect Pest Bio/chemical Application rate/ Caution Stop using (day

Pesticide 20 lit of water before harvesting)
Corn Stem Cypermethrin 10 ml Spray when found 10
Borer (15% EC) 1 worm/plant or
triflumuron 50% 30 g damaged of shoot 14
WP leave 40-50% of
total leave area
Spodoptera Nuclear 20-30 ml Spray in the 1
exigue polyhedrosis evening when 2-3
virus insects /plant, 1-2
times every 5
days
Beta-cyfluthrin 40 ml Spray when found 14
(2.5 EC) 2-3 insects/plant

Disease: Downy mildew (Peronosclerospora sorgh) is the only serious disease of corn in
Thailand. The symptoms of the disease are yellowish stripes appearing on the leaves. Under
moderate temperature and humidity conditions, a white downy, or a powdery mass appears on the
leaves, particularly, under the surface. Affected plants are stunted and produced only small or
unfilled ears. Recommended fungicides are shown in Table 12.

Table 12: Recommended fungicides for baby corn production

19
 Disease Chemical Application rate Caution Stop using (day
Pesticide 1 kg before
harvesting)
Downy mildew Metalaxyl (35% 7g Mix with seed -
DS) before planting

However, baby corn requires practically no application of pesticides because the crop has short
growth duration thereby eliminating the residue factor and minimizing in production cost.

6.10 Harvesting and Storage

The most appropriate time for harvesting baby corn is after silking 2-3 days or when baby corn
silk comes out 1-5 centimeters depending on varieties (Table 4) from the top end of ears, or when
the plant is 45-50 days old depend on each variety. When possible, harvesting should be carried
out in the morning, when the corn's moisture content is highest and product and ambient
temperatures are low. Reap ears on top first, then those below. A baby corn plant produces 3-4
ears. When farmers pluck baby corn ears, the stem should be altogether plucked away so that
farmers will know which trees are not reaped yet. Harvest crops every day and finish within 5-10
days in order to prevent baby corn from being overripe. In case of using unfamiliar baby corn
varieties, farmers should get to know what length of silk indicates the most appropriate
harvesting time by taking ears with different length of silk, and looking inside. Baby corn
varieties have different lifetime ranging from 40 to 60 days. It is suggested that farmers reap 2
ears per tree. The third should be left as it is usually defective, and does not reach export
standards. Timely harvesting is the most crucial thing in baby corn cultivation. Quality of
produce largely depends on this stage of cultivation. For instance, late harvests illustrated by too
long silk coming out from ears result in a too big baby corn size undesirable to processing plants
and traders.

As for harvesting methods, farmers should twist or snap ears away. Next, put them in containers
like baskets, bags, sacks. They should be kept in places with good ventilation, and should not be
heaped or they will easily become rotten. Normally, a harvesting period lasts 10-12 days, except
in the case of Golden Baby harvesting, which lasts 8 to 10 days. On average, there will 5000-
6250 kilograms of baby corn in husk per hectare, or 625-1094 kilograms of husked baby corn per
hectare. However, productivity is also influenced by different baby corn varieties, seasons, and
ways of cultivation.

6.11 Yield and Recovery Yield

The total marketable weight of baby corn was measured with the husk and without the husk. On

20
average, the weight of the edible ear was 13% the weight of the ear with the husk. In conclusion,
ten kilograms of harvested baby corn typically yield 1.5 to 1.8 kilograms of cob without husk, or
about 15 to 20 percent of the harvested weight.

Figure 9: Baby corn products

Apart from consumption use, baby corn has another use. Its stalks and leaves amounting to
30,000 kilograms per hectare, husk and silk amounting to 5,562 kilograms per hectare, and
masculine buds amounting to 3,125 kilograms per hectare can be used as animal feed, especially
for cows raised for meat. Parts of the baby corn tree are rich in nutrients, especially protein found
in the tree 6.4-13.8% and fiber found in the tree 28-30%. Cows fed with corn parts grow better
than those fed with grass or rice straw. As a result, more and more cow farmers turn to use baby
corn parts as animal feed instead of grass. The farmers can earn an additional income from selling
baby corn parts. For instance, baby corn stalks can fetch between 1,250 and 6,250 baht per
hectare according to seasons.

Milk cows also feed on baby corn waste well. Milk cow farmers buy fresh stalks at 1,875-2,500
baht per hectare, and masculine buds at 437-500 baht per hectare. Fresh stalks consisting of
layers of bark are nutritionally rich, having 13.2% of protein and 34.8% of fiber. This nutritional
fact is similar to that of fresh grass. Baby corn stalks help ease cows' digestion as well.

Nowadays, a large number of farmers grow baby corn together with raising cows feeding solely
on baby corn waste. Income comes from sales of baby corn produce, cow milk and cows.
However, growing baby corn together with raising cows entails a great deal of labor. Thus,
farmers should group in planting baby corn every week so that stalks would be sufficient for
feeding cows throughout the year. The following is a formula for calculating a number of
growing areas.

Number of growing areas/week

= Weight of crude food needed by cows/day (kg) x number of cows x 7

Amount of baby corn stalks/rai (kg)

21
 Figure 10: Baby corn husk for animal feeding

7. BABY CORN PRODUCTION CONSTRAINTS

7.1 Quality Problem

Quality of baby corn often fails to reach factory standards because farmers frequently use
unqualified seeds and do not care for the plant well. The major problems are as follow:

7.1.1 Problems before harvesting which cause unqualified qualities and size

- Use of unqualified varieties, some varieties grows very fast, the farmer can not harvest
in time.
- Use seeds from previous crops, causing none uniform plants.
- High plant population density as farmers want to increase number of cob/ha
- Application of too much fertilizer cause insect and disease infection
- Excess or deficit of water can cause twist cob and delay growing and lower yield

7.1.2 Problems from harvesting to the factory

 Harvesting
- Shortage of labour due to baby corn is labour intensive crop the harvesting period is
within 7-10 days only
- Lack of experience of the farmer to consider suitable/mature cobs

 Collecting of products from field

- The heat from sunshine can reduce the product qualities if the farmers leave their
products out of shade while waiting for the broker to collect
- Poor ventilated containers also can create high temperature and damage cobs during
transport

22
  Transportation and removing husk
- Loss of cob moisture during transportation can cause low weight and poor quality
- Broken cobs, most of the cobs are broken during harvesting and transportation of cob
without husk due to lack of experience of the farmer and carelessness.
- None fresh products: The storage period of cob with husk is 3-5 days but after remove
husk can be store only 1 day.

 Broker: Most of the store for collecting and peeling of the broker are located near the road
and thus can not protect products from the dust. After collecting products, from the
farmers have to pile up in a place with poor ventilation, created high temperature and thus
damage to the cobs. Besides, during high production period may have labor shortage for
peeling the husk.

 Collecting the products by the factory: During high production period, the broker may
have to wait long queue for quality checking under open sunshine causing reduced
product qualities. Besides, with the high quantity product, sampling method can not
achieve good quality standard.

7.2 Price Fluctuation

Baby corn farmers always face a price drop. This is because of produce distribution through
middlemen. They always offer low prices. Therefore, farmers cannot rest assured on prices.
Worry about prices and markets results in uncertainty of produce volume.

7.3 Local Market Problem

7.3.1 Dividing

This is one of significant problems in baby corn trade. Factories are always strict about quality of
raw materials. If they find unqualified corn ears, they will leave them out and subtract the weight
of defective baby corn from the total weight of baby corn offered by middlemen for sale. If the
number of defective baby corn is huge, they will lose considerable profits. However, middlemen
or produce collectors usually manage to get compensation pay from farmers, claiming that some
of produce they buy is low in quality and cannot be accepted by factories. In consequence, this
entire burden rests on baby corn cultivators, who already suffer the low price of baby corn.
Sometimes, the cultivators run out of morale in growing the plant despite high demand from
markets and processing plants.

7.3.2 Delayed payment from factories

Sometimes, it takes about 2-3 months for factories to pay money to middlemen. Then,
middlemen have to postpone payment to farmers when buying produce. This leads the farmers to
a lack of capital for the next planting. They have to borrow money from many sources to carry on
with baby corn cultivation. Therefore, they have to bear the burden of paying high interest rates.

23
7.4 Export Problem

7.4.1 Local competition

There is a lot of competition in terms of price cutting among local manufacturers due to a
bright trend of canned baby corn import demand. It is getting higher every year. Some exporters
offer prices lower than production costs so that they can seize more market shares from old
exporters. Other exporters have to reduce product prices accordingly to remain competitive.
Inevitably, prices, at which farmers sell their produce, weaken.

7.4.2 Competition with foreign producers

Especially Taiwan, one of Thailand‟s important competitors. Even though Thailand has very
low-price products, those from Taiwan can trade in even lower prices than Thailand's. This
is because of higher production costs in Thailand particularly the cost of canning, and also
low efficiency of production. These factors effects Thailand's market share.
7.4.3 Inadequate gross tonnage

Both canned baby corn and fresh baby corn exports always face no availability of room in
airplanes. Also, the cost for transporting goods in this way is very high. This is because most
airline companies do not favor transportation of fruits and vegetables even though there is high
demand from foreign countries. This makes Thai exporters lose opportunities to reach more
markets worldwide. Moreover, many fresh products often decay while awaiting shipping at
airports. It can be said that considerable income is lost each year.

7.4.4 Failing to reach standards

Both Thai canned baby corn and fresh baby corn do not meet world standards yet. Thai baby corn
exports are often found to be broken, blended with corn silk, and have no consistency in sizes.
Some are too big and some too old. Besides, the packaging, especially that of fresh baby corn,
does not meet standards too.

24
 8. STANDARD REQUIREMENTS FOR BABY CORN PRODUCT

There are three types of baby corn products available in the world market including fresh baby
corn, canned and frozen. The general requirements for baby corn products are as follows:

 The most suitable cob size is 1.0-1.5 cm with the length of 4-9 cm; however, the length
can be graded into three categories.
- Big size 7-9 cm
- Medium size 5-7 cm
- Small size 4-5 cm
 Cob corn of excellent quality is straight and no damage or broken cob
 Cob color is light yellow or yellow
 Uniform ovary alignment
 Fresh cob storage should not be longer than 24 hours

8.1 Fresh Baby Corn

Most fresh baby corn is packed dehusked in perforated plastic clamshells or punnets for retail
markets. Polystyrene or plastic trays wrapped with film can also be used. Ventilation is required
in all four-side walls. These trays may weigh 125 grams, 150 grams, 170 grams, 200 grams, or
250 grams. Clamshells, punnets, or trays are typically packed 12 in a carton. Carton dimensions
vary depending on net weight and market. Some wholesale markets use 5- to 10-pound waxed
cartons containing corn with husks intact.

In Europe, importers prefer fresh baby corn to be completely free of wrapper leaves and silk, and
laid neatly in clear plastic trays that are aligned next to each other so as to create a relatively level
surface. Each layer must have the cob tips pointing in the same direction. Baby corn is usually
shipped to Europe pre-packed in 250 gram, PVC-over wrapped trays and shipped eight trays per
2-kilogram carton, or in 6-ounce trays with six trays per carton. Labels must include the country

25
of origin, the words "baby corn" if the contents are not visible, the date of packing, and the
weight.

8.2 Canned Baby Corn

The commonest type of canned baby corn is canned baby corn in brine (baby corn and brine as
components). It is often packed in metal cans and glass jars. Baby corn preserved in brine and
packed in glass jars is more expensive than canned baby corn, and consequently has higher
quality. Baby corn in glass jars is a specialty item found mostly in gourmet supermarkets.
Restaurants and other food industries usually do not purchase baby corn in glass jars because it
entails difficulty in storing, is prone to damage, and more costly than canned baby corn.
Generally, sizes of canned baby corn are divided into three categories as15, 20 and 108 Ounces.

Size 15 & 20 Ounces: The remaining 20 percent of total production is the manufacture of canned
baby corn of the 15 and 20 Ounce sizes. Products of these two sizes are mostly domestically sold.

Size 108 Ounce: Factories produce canned baby corn of this size in the volume of 90 percent of
total production. This size is especially for export.

8.3 Frozen Baby Corn

Frozen baby corn, which is mostly used as an ingredient for prepared foods, has possibly the
smallest U.S. market in comparison with other processed baby corn products because of its high
price.

26
 Figure 11: Fresh baby corn production process

For baby product export, packages should bear all the labeling information required by the
importing country. Carton labeling may include the following:

· • Country of origin
· • Product/variety
· • Net weight
· • Exporter name/importer name

9. BABY CORN POST HARVEST PROCEDURES

9.1 Buying Processes of Factory

9.1.1 Examination of raw materials before starting the work

The factories usually have other works to do such as seasoning vegetables and fruits, in the mean
time the factory will go ahead with young corns for supplementation when they don‟t have other
products to process. Some factories will process the young corns all year around.

From the information provided by the International Food Ltd. in Lumpang province, the young
corns can be produced 3 times a year, early rainy season between April to July (about 45 days),
late rainy season between August to December (45-50 days), and dry season between January to
March (70 days). In some area although the farmers can grow throughout the year they grow corn
only during part of the year as they grow rice as the main crop.

Collecting of baby corn products vary from factory to factory. Some factories make contract
directly with the farmers. But some factories will buy the raw materials and set the quality and
quantity of young corns through the broker. The factories will give the corn seeds to the farmers
via brokers. The broker will also sell the fertilizer and insecticide to the farmers. The factories
buy and sell baby corn through broker which will cut down the waiting time for sample checking
of the factory. If the factories have too much of young corns, the factory will store the corns in
the refrigerator, usually not more than a day.

9.1.2 Weighing process

The young corns are delivered to the factories by the broker, farmers or brought by the factories
themselves. The corns are packed in the plastic baskets (belong to the factories). They will go
through the process of weighing, quality selections, and then thru the separation of the silks from
the cobs and removal of the damaged corns.

27
9.1.3 Selection of sizes and quality

If the factories buy from the broker, the broker will take the responsibility for the selection of
sizes and quality of the young corns. The factories will randomly check the corns and pay the
broker or the farmers. Usually the factories will reject the corns less than 5%. After going
through the separation process, the corns are washed and send for canning. Generally, during
January to April, about 45% of grade „A‟ corns can be achieved because of ease of control and
adequate water supply.
In Kanchanaburi province, one of the largest baby corn growing areas in Thailand, baby corn
marketing process is via contract farming system between factory and farmers through brokers.
The brokers collect product that meet the standard from their contract farmers and deliver to
factory. The details of this system are shown in Figure 10. Brokers are responsible for initial
grading and sizing the products. Baby corn products that meet factory standard are sent directly
for processing. The other products that are lower than the standard requirement by factory are put
into the local market for domestic consumption.

28
 Farmer

Harvesting period

Notice the suitable

mature cob from the silk
length and cob size

Harvest and keep the

cobs in containers

Containers with
harvested cobs

Broker

Collection at storage

Grade & remove the

over/under size and
damaged cob

Keep the husked cob in

the well ventilated
container

Transport to factory

Figure 12: Baby corn selling processes from farmer to broker in Kanjanaburi Province

29
9.2 Processing of Canned Baby Corn

9.2.1 Baby corn raw materials

Baby corn has to be fresh, the length of the cob is between 4-10 centimeters, the diameter is
between 1-1.5 centimeters, straiten cob, kernels in good alignment, no bitten by insects. The
kernels should be in yellow color or cream color. If husk is removed from baby corn, the baby
corn must not show any sign of cutting by knife and no silk attached.

9.2.2 Preparation of corn

1) Cleaning

Cleaning peeled baby corn, getting rid of silk and other dirty objects. After the husk is removed,
the next step is shaking the corns to separate the silks from the corns, and remove the broken
corns or damaged corns from the good. Then wash the corns in water and soak in 0.5% alum for
45-60 minutes to increase the crunch.

2) Boiling

Boiling baby corn in water mixed with citric acid 0.2% for approximately 10 minutes at
temperature 90-100 0 C until it is well cooked. The good quality boiled cob should produce clear
color at the center of the cob and the cob should be able to bend without being broken.

3) Soaking

After boiling, the corns should be put in cold water immediately until the cob is cool.

4) Grading

The corns are graded by sizing. Generally, big corns should have 7-9 centimeters length and 1.4-
1.5 centimeters diameter. Medium corns should have 5-7 centimeters length and 1.2-1.3
centimeters diameter. Small corns should have 4-5 centimeters length and 1.0-1.1 centimeters
diameter.

5) Containers

Packing in cans or glass. In the companies studied under this project, the size of cans and bottles
are as follows;

Can sizes 300 x 407 (height x diameter, in), net weight 225 grams, total weight 425 grams.
Can sizes 307 x 409(height x diameter, in), net weight 270 grams, total weight 540 grams.
Can sizes 603 x 700(height x diameter, in), net weight 1,500 grams, total weight 2900 grams.
8 oz. Bottle, net weight 100-120 grams, total weight 225 grams.
16 oz. Bottle, net weight 220-240 grams, total weight 450 grams.

30
6) Adding brine

After filling baby corn in containers, water and brine are added in cans in the proportion of 2:98
(brine 2%, water 98%) together with citric acid 0.05%-0.1%.

The temperature of added brine is about 40-60 0C. It should have the space above the content
about 3/16 inches for 8 oz bottle, 4/16 inches for 300 can and 16 oz bottle, 5/16 inches for 307
can, and 6/16 inches for 603 can.

7) Exhaust process

To exhaust air until the beginning temperature of 70-75 0C for small can is achieved 75-80 0C for
603 can, and 68-72 0C for bottle.

8) Seaming

9) Heating

Sterilization process, temperature 250 0F, pressure 15 pounds/sq. inch, takes 25 minutes for
300x407 can and 8 oz. bottle, 30 minutes for 307 × 409 grams and 16 oz. bottle, 50 minutes for
603x700 can at temperature 240 0F and pressure 10 pounds/sq. inch.

10) Cooling process

Cooling is done until temperature in the can is 35-40 0C or 95-105 0F. Cut out pH 5.2-5.6.

31
Peeled Baby Corn

Cleaning Container

Boiling Sterile by streaming

Soaking Grading Containing

Adding brine

Heating Lid covering Exhaust

Cooling

Quality Inspection

Labeling Packaging Marketing

Figure 13: Production process diagram of canned baby corn

32
 Commercial Registration
(Department of Commerce Registration)

Value added tax registration

(Revenue Department)

Obtaining export signature card

(Customs Department)

Product in control General products Standard products

Export registration or Registration of exporters of 10

export quota request standard products (Office of
(Department of Product Standard, the Department
Foreign Trade) of Foreign Trade)

Standard products
1.Bleachedjute 2.Corn
3. Cluster bean 4.Cassava product
5.Kapok 6.Processed teak
7.Sorghum 8. Black skilled green pea
9.Green chick pea 10.Ground fish

Customs procedure
(The Customs Department)

Shipment

Figure 14: Export procedures for baby corn from Thailand

33
 10. IMPLEMENTATION OF GLOBAL GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE (GAP)

10.1 Good Agricultural Practice Standard

Protection of the health of consumers requires effective food safety control systems. These
systems must be implemented on the entire chain of food production from farm to table. The
control and inspection of the food safety implementation in Thailand is carried out by two parties,
including both the official governmental sector and non-governmental parties associated with the
chain of food production. The governmental sector is responsible for legislating the legal
framework relating to food production as well as the augmentation of the other sponsoring
programs for the food producers.

Food safety control can be achieved through the implementation of a safety and appropriate food
production system, of which there are principles or guidelines for taking caution in each step of
the food production. These frameworks include Good Agricultural Practice (GAP), Good
Hygienic Practice (GHP), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), and Hazard Analysis Critical
Control Points (HACCP). These guidelines are then to be used as a basis for practice for the
voluntary non-official fresh food producers participating in the program and for the government
authority to monitor and enact necessary legal action. The food safety control for fresh produce in
Thailand is divided into four major categories including farm, grading/packing establishment,
exporting and retailing. The details of those categories in both official and non-official control
aspects are discussed below.

10.1.1 Farm

a) Official control

Since 1992, Thailand has enacted and enforced the Hazardous Substance Act which regulates the
authorization and registration of pesticides, declaration of pesticides prohibited for registration,
importing or selling. The purpose of this Hazardous Substance Act is to provide safety in the
application of pesticides for both farmers and consumers. The enforcement of this Act is carried
out during the pesticide registration process, which is a step before the pesticide can be
distributed or sold. Moreover, this Act empowers governmental officials to control and inspect
pesticide at ports of entry, manufacturing plants, and retailers. Thus, allowing governmental
officials to control the quality of pesticides sold to the farmers while providing safety to the
agricultural products and the farmers who use the pesticide.

To protect the health of consumer in Thailand, the Thai government enacted the Food Act in the
year 1979. By the Food Act, the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) established the Maximum
Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticide residues on each type of food and agricultural produce. The
purpose of the enactment of this regulation is to protect the consumer. However, the investigation
and the legal action based upon this Act have been directed toward the trading of food rather than
the farm which is less pragmatic.

34
b) Non-official control

The safety of fresh produce production results from the appropriate agricultural practice by the
farmers at the farming level. The non-official control is therefore essential for the safety of fresh
produce production. Any of the programs and frameworks that would aid farmers to understand
and implement a good agricultural practice is deemed necessary. In this light, Thailand's Ministry
of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC) has begun to promote and encourage farmers to
comply with GAP guidelines for several years. In the year 2003, the MOAC declared the
standards of GAP for Food Crops. The farmers are, then, able to use these criteria in the
cultivation to ensure the safety and quality of the food crop. Additionally, the government
authority is able to use the GAP for Food Crops as a basis to evaluate the agricultural farm before
awarding certification. To enhance the precision of the criteria, the MOAC will declare the
standardized GAP for specific economically significant fresh produce such as durian, mango,
longan, asparagus, chilli peppers etc.

Thailand's MOAC is in the process of promoting the standardized GAP to farmers all over the
country. A large number of farmers have been persuaded to join the GAP. Those who are ready
to join the GAP system will then be registered with the MOAC. The GAP system is planned, at
present, to target 27 Food Crops. It is expected that there will be registered 325,000 farmers by
the end of the year 2004. Since the increase of the auditing program for the farmers' standardized
GAP, report in June 2004 indicated that 5,225 farmers have been certified. It is projected that the
number of certified farmers will reach 56,000 by the end of the year 2004. Hence, the
certification process will generate greater number of farmers who engage in appropriate and safe
agricultural practices as well as help increase the amount of safe food crop in the market. This, in
turn, will further benefit both the consumers and those who engage in business ventures dealing
with agricultural products.

10.1.2 Grading/packing establishment

a) Official control

The grading and packing of fresh produce can be done at the farm level, by the farmer, under
GAP system or at the manufacturing level under GMP system. According to Thailand's Food Act
(1979), any grading/packing establishment categorized as a food industry must receive a permit
from the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) prior to the beginning of the production process. To
be eligible for the permit, the grading/packing establishment must pass a hygiene inspection
performed by an MOPH's officer.

b) Non-official control

The most important non-official food safety control measure at the manufacturing level is the
promotion of GMP and HACCP system. The implementation of these two systems is based on
the Codex standards, particularly the Codex General Principle of Food Hygiene and Codex Code
of Hygiene Practice for Production and Handling of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables. Accordingly,
Thailand's Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has initiated a certification program for fresh
produce grading establishment. Any certified fresh produce grading/packing establishment that

35
passes inspection will receive GMP certification. To further assure the promotion of the total
food safety control, the MOAC has encouraged fresh produce grading/packing establishments to
create a network between grading/packing establishment and GAP certified farms. This
programme also entails the inspection and evaluation of both farms and the grading/packing
establishments. There is the collection of samples from both farms and the grading/packing plants
for laboratory analysis. Those who pass the standardized evaluation will be certified and allowed
to show the mark "Q" Food Safety. Since the augmentation of the program, 35 fresh produce
businesses are certified so far.

10.1.3 Exporting

a) Official control

On April 11, 2004, Thailand's Ministry of Commerce, in accordance with the "Exporting and
Importing Goods into the Kingdom of Thailand Act," declared that 12 economically significant
fresh fruits and vegetables must be inspected for pesticide residues prior to exportation to the
United States, Japan, the European Community, the Republic of China, Hong Kong, Malaysia,
and Singapore. These fresh fruits and vegetables include mangosteen, durian, mango, tamarind,
lychee, longan, pomelo, baby corn, okra, ginger, and chilli peppers. The Department of
Agriculture (DOA) is designated as the responsible party for inspecting the pesticide residue in
the aforementioned fresh produce. The fresh produce exporter is allowed to proceed with the
exportation only if the produce passes the inspection by being tested against the standard, and
then receives a certification awarded by the DOA. According to regulation, the exporter must
contact and inform the DOA prior to exportation. The DOA's officer will collect samples from
the exporter's packing house. The collected samples will then be analyzed for pesticide residues.
In the past year alone, the DOA has analyzed more than 20,000 fresh produce samples. The
results indicate a trend for the overall decrease in contamination levels of samples. The number
of fresh produce samples with residues over maximum residue limit (MRL) has declined from
nine percent in the year 2003 to approximately four percent in the year 2004. Up until August
2004, none of the exports that passed inspection have been rejected by the destination country.
This policy also promotes awareness among both producers and exporters about food safety at all
stages of fresh produce production particularly on the control of food safety at the farm level.
While this policy has boosted the importing countries' confidence, the cost for residue analysis is
substantial and imposes difficulties for exporters. Therefore, the MOAC has decided to employ
the non-official control, for exporting, to alleviate the burden of both the government and
exporters.

b) Non-official control

The MOAC's food safety programme for the entire chain of fresh produce production has
increased the confidence of importing countries and domestic market in both the chemical and
microbiological safety of Thailand's fresh produce. The MOAC has set criteria that, in effect,
lessen the burden of residue analysis before exporting the fresh produce; 100% inspection will be
truncated to only 10% random sampling inspection for any food safety certified exporter.

36
10.1.4 Retailing

a) Official control

The hygienic and sanitary practice codes for fresh markets, retailers, restaurants, street food
vendors are indicated in the Thai's Public Health Act (1992). Moreover, the Thai's Food Act
(1979) has provided regulations which specify that the food, including fresh fruits and
vegetables, sold in the fresh markets or other retailers must be safe from chemical or
microbiological contamination that may cause diseases or health risks to the consumers. The
Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) is in charge of the investigation, inspection, and enforcing the
fresh markets, retailers, street vendors to comply with the hygienic and sanitary codes. The
MOPH also has authority to close down, issue an order, or punish by law any business venture
that violates the law. Additionally, the MOPH is authorized to randomly collect samples of food
from these businesses to analyze for food contamination that may be harmful to the consumers.
Nonetheless, the implementation of these laws rather focuses on the promotion and increase the
awareness of the businesses to be cautious of the sanitary and hygienic practice than taking a
legal action or pursuing a punishment stated by law.

b) Non-official control

The MOPH has augmented programs to encourage retailers, restaurants and other food services
to take more caution on the practice of food safety and hygiene. The program include the
inspection and certification to elevate the status of food service business such as:

 "Clean Food Good Taste" program: This program started in the year 1999. It includes all
over the country inspection of food services and street vendors on the hygienic and
sanitary standards. Since the augmentation of the "Clean Food Good Taste" program, the
MOPH has certified and awarded the "Clean Food Good Taste" mark to more than 30,000
food services, which is almost 30% of the overall food service business.

Most international Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) manuals that have been published have
concentrated heavily on the food safety component of GAP. Some have only addressed the
microbiological contamination issue. The reason for this is that chemical contamination is
covered extensively by Codex requirements. Food safety is an important component of GAP and
some consider it the minimum basis for GAP recognition. A number of relevant GAP documents
are included in this section as examples of what has been produced by a range of countries.

10.2 QA System

In practice, Thailand has developed a GAP based QA system (Q system). A modified manual is
called Inspection Procedures for Certification Quality Management System: Good Agricultural
Practice (GAP), Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.

37
10.2.1 Objective

To set standards for the inspection for Certification of Quality Management System: Good
Agricultural Practice (GAP), Department of Agriculture.

10.2.2 Scope of quality management system: Good Agricultural Practice, Department

of Agriculture

This is to apply to the systemic management of production processes for safe, pest-free,
consumer-satisfying quality agricultural products.

10.2.3 Inspection for certification of quality management system: Good Agricultural

Practice

Farmers in Quality Management System: Good Agricultural Practice, Department of Agriculture,

will be assessed at the following three levels, namely production processes for safe products,
processes for safe and pest-free products and processes for safe, pest-free and consumer-
satisfying quality products.

The inspection for Certification of Quality Management System: Good Agricultural Practice for
agricultural products in 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 must follow the Principles, Criteria, and Assessment
items 1−5, 1−6 and 1−8 respectively as shown in Table 13.

Table 13: Principles, criteria and assessments for quality management system: Good
Agricultural Practice

Principles Criteria Assessments

1. Water source Water source not contaminated with Assess the environment –
hazardous substances and microbes If possible risks exist,
conduct water analysis.
2. Cultivation site Land with no hazardous substances Assess the environment –
and microbes that may cause If possible risks exist,
residues or contamination conduct soil analysis.
3. Use of agricultural • If chemicals are used in production • Check the storage of
hazardous substances processes, instructions on labels, or agricultural hazardous
instructions or recommendations by substances.
the Department of Agriculture must • Check the record of
be followed. usage of agricultural
• Chemicals must be used in hazardous substances, and,
accordance with the list of chemicals if in doubt, collect samples
allowed by trading counterpart for residue analysis.
countries.
• Banned chemicals must not be
used.
4. Product storage • The storage must be clean, well- • Check premises,

38
 Principles Criteria Assessments

and on-site ventilated and protect equipment, containers and

transportation products from contamination product transportation
with foreign or hazardous methods
substances, or disease carriers.
• Equipment and
transportation vehicles must
be clean, and not
contaminated with hazardous
substances.
• Product transportation must
be carried out with care.

5. Data record • Use of any hazardous • Check data records and

substances must be recorded. forms.
• Investigation of and
termination of plant diseases
or pests must be recorded.
• Management for quality
agricultural production must
be recorded.

6. Production for • Damage caused by plant diseases • Check the records of

plant disease- and and pests must be investigated and investigation and treatment
pest-free products must be treated if the damage at of plant diseases and pests
economic level is found. • Examine the isolation
• Harvested products must be free results
plant diseases and pets. Those
with plant diseases or pests must
be isolated.
7. Management of • Practicing and managing • Check the records of
quality agricultural according to the production practice and management.
production control system • Examine the isolation
• Non-conforming products results.
must be isolated.
8. Harvesting and • Harvesting at the appropriate • Check the records of
post harvest handling period according to the production harvesting and post-harvest
control system. handling.
• Harvesting equipment and • Examine the equipment,
containers must be clean. The container, procedures and
harvesting method must not affect methods.
the product quality, or cause any
contamination and make the
products unsafe for consumption.

39
10.2.4 Inspection methods and procedures

Planning the inspection

The Inspection Team sets out the inspection plan, time frame and scope of the inspection and
assessment criteria for Quality Management System: Good Agricultural Practice. These are to be
recorded in the GAP Inspection Form.

Scheduling the inspection

- The Inspection Team leader liaises with relevant internal and external officers to
schedule the inspection.
- Notify the farmers about the inspection plan and schedule 7 days prior to the inspection.
- In the event that there is a reason to believe that advanced notification of
the inspection may lead to the false information or there may be a cover up, the
Inspection Team may proceed without advanced notification. This must be recorded in
the GAP Inspection Form.

Conducting the inspection

- The Inspection Team must introduce themselves and produce their identification cards
to the farmer or the appointee each time they arrive for inspection at the production site.

- The farmer or the appointee is to be informed of the objectives and scope, as well as the
procedures and duration, of the inspection.

- In case of insufficient information required for inspection, the Inspection Team may
request additional information from the farmer or the appointee.

- Examine the corrective actions made to non-compliant items reported in the previous
inspection.

- Carry out the inspection with the presence of the farmer or the appointee at all time.

- Record the assessment results and non-compliant items in the GAP Inspection Form

- At the end of inspection, the Inspection Team must arrange a meeting in which the
assessment results are presented to the farmer or the appointee. The farmer can clarify
the non-compliant items and seek advice for improvement, and discuss the schedule for
corrective actions.

- The Inspection Team is to list out the non-compliant items and summarize them in the
GAP Non-Compliant Form, and to report the inspection results in the Preliminary GAP
Inspection Form. Both forms are complete when they are signed by both the Inspection
Team and the farm owner. Copies of the documents are to be given to the farm owner for
record.

40
Notification of Inspection Results

The farmer must be notified the results of inspection for GAP Certification in writing within 15
working days after completion of the inspection. The farmer is required to provide the details
about how the corrective actions will be taken to the Office of Research and Development within
15 days of receipt of inspection results. If the farmer does not provide the corrective action details
within the specified period, it is considered that the farmer agrees to make the required corrective
actions indicated by the Inspection Team.

Frequency and number of inspections

The frequency and the number of inspections for GAP Certification depends on the inspection
issues and the non-compliant items requiring corrective actions. The Inspection Team must
follow the procedures listed in 4.3 for each inspection.

Types of Inspection

There are 4 types of inspections that can be chosen, depending on each situation, by the
Inspection Team.

(1) Full Inspection − The Inspection Team must assess the farm for all principles. This is to be
used with the farms that have never been certified or to be re-certified or their certification is
revoked.

(2) Partial Inspection − this type of inspection is used with the farms that have been continually
certified. The Inspection Team is to examine some indicators of Quality Management
System: Good Agricultural Practice. But if any breach of regulations is found, the Inspection
Team may use a full inspection.

(3) Follow-up Inspection − this type of inspection is used to follow up the corrective actions for
non-compliant items reported in the previous inspection.

(4) Special Case Inspection − The Inspection Team can conduct an inspection if there is any
problem or any complaint. The inspection will emphasize on the problematic principle(s).
The Inspection Team can conduct a special case inspection without advanced notification.

10.2.5 GAP inspection reports

Preliminary GAP Inspection Report Information to be included

1) The name and address of the farmer

2) The farm identification number
3) The date of the previous and current inspections
4) The name and position of the inspectors
5) The name of the farmer or the person appointed by the farm owner

41
 6) The purposes of the inspection
7) The scope of the inspection
8) The sampling (if applicable)
9) The farm‟s good practice in Quality Management System: Good Agricultural
Practice
10) The corrective actions for previous non-compliant items
11) The non-compliant items reported in the previous inspection that have not
been corrected, and the schedule for corrections
12) The non-compliant items reported in the current inspection and the schedule
for corrections

- The Preliminary Inspection Report is to be prepared for the farmer.

- The Report must be truthful, clear and concise.
- Comments on the draft report are to be sought from all the members of the Inspection
Team.
- The Report is to be signed by the Inspection Team.
- An official letter notifying the inspection results, along with the Inspection
- Report is to be sent to the farmer within 15 working days after the inspection is
complete.
- Final GAP Inspection Report

When the Inspection Team has completed the inspection,

- The Inspection Team is to fill out the Summary GAP Form. The results must be in detail
including the major and minor items requiring corrective actions.
- The summary of results and recommendations, along with the inspection documentation,
is to be sent to the Inspection Unit within 3 days after the final inspection.

10.2.6 Submission of final GAP inspection report

The Inspection Unit is to compile and submit the information about the farmer and the
inspection results received from the Inspection Team, to the GAP Certification Unit (CB) within
3 days after receipt of report from the Inspection Team.

10.2.7 Document and data control

Document control is essential in the Quality Management System: Good Agricultural
Practice because the documents can be used as evidence, and it indicates the reliability of the
Quality Management System: Good Agricultural Practice. Document control is useful for
searching and tracing of data. Document control must be carried out as following.

- Farm identification system is to be set up, and coding system (alphabets or combinations of
alphabets and numbers) used for document classification.

- Permission must be granted before the documents in the Quality Management System: Good
Agricultural Practice, are used.

42
- The document content is to be revised and updated, if necessary, prior to seeking permission for
use of the documents.

- Standard operating procedures must be established for document revision.

- The distribution of documents must be recorded as to, to whom and when the documents are
distributed, the reasons and the quantity.

10.3 Criteria and Conditions for Farm Certification Quality Management System

10.3.1 Objectives

1.1 To describe the eligibility criteria for farms and farmers to apply for Farm Certification for
Quality Management System: Good Agricultural Practice (GAP).

1.2 To describe duties, responsibilities of farmers and procedures in the Quality Management
Program: Good Agricultural Practice

10.3.2 Scope

The document describes qualifications, duties, responsibilities and practice of farmers in applying
for farm certification. It also outlines the management and improvement of production processes
in the farm, in compliance with Quality Management System: Good Agricultural Practice. The
eligibility criteria for farms are also described.

10.3.3 Eligibility criteria for farmers to apply for farm certification

- Must be the owner or the holder of production right, or the person authorized by the owner or
the right holder.

- Must be listed in the Thai Citizen Register, Department of Provincial Administration, Ministry
of Interior

- Be knowledgeable, competent and understand the production processes as specified in the GAP
Application Form

- Agree with policy and requirements as specified in Quality Management System: Good
Agricultural Practice documents.

- Must attend the training course for Quality Management System: Good Agricultural Practice, as
indicated by the Department of Agriculture

10.3.4 Duties and responsibilities

- Farmers must carry out the production procedures and improve the farm and production
processes, in compliance with the Quality Management System: Good Agricultural Practice.

43
- Farmers must manage the farm and oversee the production processes, in compliance with the
Quality Management System: Good Agricultural Practice.

- If there are any changes in the farm, e.g. change of operators at any point of processes, etc,
much attention must be paid to that point. If in doubt, the farmer can seek advice from the
Advisory or the Inspection Team.

10.3.5 Application procedures for certification of quality management system: Good

Agricultural Practice

- The office to lodge the GAP Application Form.

- Documents required for the GAP Application Form

- Copy of Personal Identification Card of the applicant or authorized person

- Copy of House Registration Certificate

- The farmer fills out the GAP Application Form and lodges it along with the required documents

- The officer receives the application along with required documents, gathers and sends the list
the eligible farmers to 1) the Certification Unit (CB) for Quality Management System: Good
Agricultural Practice, 2) the Advisory Board and the Inspection Team in the region for further
action

- The farmer is notified of the schedule for advice (if any) and for inspection, and waits for advice
and for inspection.

10.3.6 Eligibility criteria for farms to apply for certification

Eligible farms must be

- The site with no hazardous substances that could cause residues or contamination in agricultural
products. Water supply must come from the non-contaminated sources.

- Single cultural plantation or farm - plantation or farm with one type of plant or,

- Combined-cultural plantation or farm - plantation or farm with more than two types of plant,
and one type of plant comprises more than 50% of total plants. If the certification is applied for
one type of plant, the farmer must have strategies to ensure that the procedures in Quality
Management System: Good Agricultural Practice for this plant will not be affected by any
treatment to the other type of plant.

- Mixed cultural plantation or farm - plantation or farm with many types of plant, and one type of
plant comprises less than 50% of total plants in a field. If the certification is applied for one type

44
of plant, the farmer must have strategies to ensure that the procedures in Quality Management
System: Good Agricultural Practice for this plant will not be affected by any treatment to other
types of plant.

- For fruit tree, the cultivation site must not be less than 3 rai, and for annual or perennial plants,
the site must not be less than 1 rai (Rai = unit of area, 1 rai equivalent to 1,600 square metres, or
0.4 acre or 1ha = 6.25rai).

Collect sample from a Select sample from a selected

selected factory factory from other providences

To inform before gathering 1-2 days

One step service center of The office of agriculture

academic keeps the sample at research and development in
the select factory of region those are responsible to
containing package keep the sample at the select
factory of containing package

The entrepreneur sends the sample

at one stop service To analyze the sample at the
Monday – Friday 8.30am-5.00pm office of agriculture research
An official holiday 8.30am-3.00pm and development region 1-8

To analyze the sample at the

dangerous matter building If result of analysis passed the
certificate is issued at the office
of agriculture research and
development region 1-8

To send the result of the

analysis at the one stop
services
The entrepreneur receives the
certificate at the office of
agricultural research and
development region 1-8 or at
The entrepreneur one step service

Figure 15: Processes of checking on toxic in vegetables for export

45
Lists of the prohibited toxic chemicals in baby corn
1. Aldrin
2. Amonicorb
3. 4-aminodiphenyl
4. Amitrole
5. Aramite
6. Asbestos-amosite
7. Azinphos-ethyl
8. Azinphos-methyl
9. Benzidine
10. Beta-HCH (1,3,5,/2,4,6-hexachloro-cyclohexane)
11. BHC or HCH (1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachloro-cyclohexane)
12. Binapacryl
13. Bis (chloromethyl) ether
14. Bromophos
15. Bromophos-ethyl
16. Cadmium and cadmium compounds
17. Calcium arsenate
18. Captofol
19. Carbon tetrachloride
20. Chlordane
21. Chlordecone
22. Chlordimeform
23. Chlorobenzilate
24. Chlorophonols
25. Chlorthiophos
26. Copper arsenate hydroxide
27. Cycloheximide
28. Cyhexatin
29. Daminozide
30. DBCP (1,2 –dibromo-3-chloropropane)
31. DDT (1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis (4-chlorophenyl ethane))
32. Demephion
33. Demeton
34. o-dichlorobenzene
35. Dieldrin
36. Dimefox
37. Dinoseb
38. Dinoterb
39. Disulfoton
40. DNOC (4,6-dinitro-o-cresol)
41. EDB (1,2-dibromoethane)
42. Endrin
43. Ethyl hexyleneglyneglycol (ethyl hexane diol)
44. Ethylene dichloride
45. Ethylene oxide (1,2-epoxyethane)
46. Fensulfothion
47. Fentin
48. Fluoroacetamide
49. Fluoroacetate sodium
50. Fonofos
51. Heptachlor
52. Hexachlorobenzene
53. Lead arsenate
54. Leptophos
55. Lindane (>99% gamma-HCH or gamma-BHC)
56. MCPB (4-(4-chloro-o-tolyloxy)butyric acid)
57. Mecoprop
58. Mephosfolan
59. Mercury compounds
60. Methamidophos
61. Mevinphos
62. MGK repellent-11
63. Mirex
64. Monocrotophos
65. Napthylamine
66. 4-nitro diphenyl
67. Nitrofen
68. Parathion
69. Paris green
70. Pentachlorophenate sodium or Pentachlorophenoxide sodium
71. Pentachlorophenol
72. Phenothiol
73. Phorate
74. Phosphamidon
75. Phosphorus
76. Polybrominated biphenyls, PBBs
77. Polychlorinated triphenyls, PCTs
78. Prothoate
79. Pyrinuron (piriminil)
80. Safrole
81. Schradan
82. Sodium arsenite
83. Sodium chlorate
84. Strobane polychloroterpenes
85. Sulfotep
86. 2,4,5-T ((2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy) acetic acid)
87. 2,4,5-TCP (2,4,5-trichlorophenol
88. TDE or DDD (1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis (4-chloropheny) ethane)
89. TEPP (tetraethyl pyrophosphate)
90. 2,4,5-TP ((±) -2-(2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyl propionic acid)
91. Thallium sulfate

47
92. Toxaphene or camphechlor
93. Tri (2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate)
94. Vinyl chloride monomer (monochloroethene)

10.4 CODEX Standard for Baby Corn (CODEX STAN 188-1993)

10.4.1 Definition of produce

This standard applies to the cobs, without the silk and anthers, of commercial varieties of
baby corn (corn inflorescence) grown from Zea mays L. of the Gramineae family,
separated from silk, husk and anthers, to be supplied fresh to the consumer, after
preparation and packaging. Baby corn for industrial processing is excluded.

10.4.2 Provisions concerning quality

In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed,
the cobs of the baby corn must be:
- whole;
- fresh in appearance;
- sound, produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for
consumption is excluded;
- clean, practically free of any visible foreign matter;
- free of abnormal external moisture, excluding condensation following removal
from cold storage;
- free of any foreign smell and/or taste;
- practically free of damage caused by pests;
- practically free of silk.
The cut that is made on the base of the cobs should be clean and well defined. A
slight discoloration of the cut surface due to storage is acceptable.

The development and condition of the baby corn must be such as to enable it:
- to withstand transport and handling, and
- to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination.

Governments, when indicating the acceptance of the Codex Standard for Baby Corn,
should notify the Commission which provisions of the Standard would be accepted for
application at the point of import, and which provisions would be accepted for
application at the point of export.

48
10.4.3 Classification

The cobs of baby corn are classified in three classes defined below:

“Extra” Class

The cobs of baby corn in this class must be well trimmed, free of husk, stalk and silk,
intact and of superior quality. They must be characteristic of the variety and/or
commercial type. They must be free of defects, with the exception of very slight
superficial defects, provided these do not affect the general appearance of the produce,
the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package.

Class-I

The cobs of baby corn in this class must be well trimmed, free of husk and stalk and of
good quality. They must be characteristic of the variety and/or commercial type. The
following slight defects, however, may be allowed, provided these do not affect the
general appearance of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the
package:
- slight defects in shape, colour and texture;
- slight defects in irregular arrangement of undeveloped kernels (ovules);
- slight defects on the surface due to bruising, scratches or other mechanical
damage. The total area affected shall not exceed 5 per cent per cob;
- silk attached to and/or broken from the cob shall be minimal without affecting
the appearance.

Class-II

This class includes the cobs of baby corn which do not qualify for inclusion in the higher
classes, but satisfy the minimum requirements specified in Section 2.1 earlier. The
following defects may be allowed, provided the cobs of baby corn retain their essential
characteristics as regards the quality, the keeping quality and presentation:
- defects in shape, colour and texture;
- defects in irregular arrangement of undeveloped kernels (ovules);
- defects on the surface due to bruising, scratches or other mechanical damage.
The total area affected shall not exceed 10 per cent per cob;
- silk attached to and/or broken from the cob shall be minimal without affecting
the appearance.

10.4.4 Provisions concerning sizing

Size is determined by the length of the cob of baby corn. The length for A size is 5.0-7.0
cm, B is 7.0-9.0 cm. and C is 9.0-12.0 cm. For all sizes, the minimum width should not
be less than 1.0 cm and the maximum width not more than 2.0 cm.

49
10.4.5 Provision concerning tolerances

Tolerances in respect of quality and size shall be allowed in each package for produce not
satisfying the requirements of the class indicated.

Quality tolerances

“Extra” Class Five per cent by number or weight of cobs of baby corn not satisfying the
requirements of the class, but meeting those of Class I or, exceptionally, coming within
the tolerances of that class.

Class-I Ten per cent by number or weight of cobs of baby corn not satisfying the
requirements of the class, but meeting those of Class II or, exceptionally, coming within
the tolerances of that class. In the case of cobs of baby corn with incompletely removed
husk and stalk, only 5 per cent by number or weight of 0.5 cm long of the husk and stalk
is allowed.

Class-II Ten percent by number or weight of cobs of baby corn satisfying neither the
requirements of the class nor the minimum requirements, with the exception of produce
affected by rotting or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption.

In the case of cobs of baby corn with incompletely removed husk and stalk, only 5 per
cent by number or weight of 0.5 cm long of the husk and stalk is allowed.

Size tolerances

For “Extra” Class, 5 per cent; and for Class I or Class II 10 per cent; by number or
weight, of cobs of baby corn not satisfying the requirements as regards sizing, but falling
within the class immediately above and/or below those indicated in Section 3.

10.4.6 Provisions concerning presentation

Uniformity

The contents of each package must be uniform and contain only cobs of baby corn of the
same origin, quality and size. The visible part of the contents of the package must be
representative of the entire contents.

Packaging

The cobs of baby corn must be packed in such a way as to protect the produce properly.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean, and of a quality such as to
avoid causing any external or internal damage to the produce. The use of materials,
particularly of paper or stamps bearing trade specifications is allowed, provided the
printing or labeling has been done with non-toxic ink or glue. The cobs of baby corn shall
be packed in each container in compliance with the Recommended International Code of

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Practice for Packaging and Transport of Tropical Fresh Fruit and Vegetables (CAC/RCP
44-1995).

Description of containers

The containers shall meet the quality, hygiene, ventilation and resistance characteristics
to ensure suitable handling, shipping and preserving of the cobs of baby corn. Packages
must be free of all foreign matter and smell.

Marking or labeling

Consumers packages

For the purposes of this Standard, this includes recycled material of food-grade quality.
In addition to the requirements of the Codex General Standard for the Labeling of Pre-
packaged

Foods (CODEX STAN 1-1985, Rev. 2-1999), the following specific provisions apply:

Nature of produce

If the produce is not visible from the outside, each package shall be labeled as to the
name of the produce and may be labeled as to the name of the variety.

Non-retail containers

Each package must bear the following particulars, in letters grouped on the same side,
legibly and indelibly marked, and visible from the outside, or in the documents
accompanying the shipment. For produce transported in bulk these particulars must
appear on a document accompanying the goods.

Identification

Name and address of Exporter, Packer and/or Dispatcher. Identification code (optional).

Nature of produce

Name of produce if the contents are not visible from the outside. Name of variety and/or
commercial type (optional).

Origin of produce

Country of origin and, optionally, district where grown or national, regional or local place
name.

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Commercial identification
- Class;
- Size (size code);
- Net weight (optional).

Official inspection mark (optional)

10.4.7 Contaminants

Heavy metals

The cobs of baby corn shall comply with those maximum levels for heavy metals
established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission for this commodity.

Pesticide residues

The cobs of baby corn shall comply with those maximum residue limits established by
the Codex Alimentarius Commission for this commodity.

Hygiene

It is recommended that the produce covered by the provisions of this Standard be

prepared and handled in accordance with the appropriate sections of the Recommended
International Code of Practice - General Principles of Food Hygiene (CAC/RCP 1-1969,
Rev. 3-1997), and other relevant Codex texts such as Codes of Hygienic Practice and
Codes of Practice. The produce should comply with any microbiological criteria
established in accordance with the Principles for the Establishment and Application of
Microbiological Criteria for Foods (CAC/GL 21-1997).

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 11. BABY CORN FARMING/BUSINESS STRUCTURE

Most baby corn productions for export are under contract farming system. This involves
factory, broker and farmers. The details of this system given below are one of the baby
corn company, selected by the Ministry of Agriculture as an outstanding company in
supporting and developing farm communities.

11.1 Farm operation

• Organizing groups of growers in selected areas to grow and supply premium fresh
produces to Swift‟s pack-houses.
• Risk assessments are carried out on all major factors from history of land use to
soil and water condition and to any possibility of cross contamination.
• Three types of farming practices by members are:
• Conventional farming under EUREP GAP;
• Agro-chemical free farming;
• Organic farming.

Board of Directors

Managing Director

Business Department General Manager Admin & Finance

Operation Department

Research & Development QC & Laboratory

Division Division

Production Department Agricultural & Supply

Department

Figure 16: Business structure for fresh and frozen baby corn factory

11.2 Farm auditing

• Company‟s agronomists conduct regular internal auditing of members‟ farms.
• Independent internal auditing is carried out by other agronomists from head office
• They are trained and certified on HACCP system and EUREP GAP auditing.
• Yearly certification on EUREP GAP and organic farming practices are carried out
by licensed CB.

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11.3 Collection and grading
• Collection stations of the company are set right in the growing areas.
• Weighing and grading are transparently carried out at the stations.
• Labeling of plot-codes and growers‟ names is part of the company‟s traceability
system.

11.4 Pack-house and processing

• They are purposed built pack-houses with GMP certification.

• Different types of facilities are designed to accommodate different processing.
• Processing of fresh produce is under the HACCP and BRC Higher Level systems.
• Processing of organic and conventional produce is separated.

11.5 Community development

• The operation of the company generates direct income of over Baht 300 millions
to farm communities per year.
• Pricing policy reduces risk to their growers to the minimum. Their guaranteed
price is much higher than the market price.
• Financial support and transfer of technology from the company help in improving
yields and incomes of our growers.
• The company has actively participated in development programmes with local
community, temples, schools.

11.6 Environment
• This company acquires supply only from members‟ farms and cooperatives. The
farming practices of the company ensure that environment and ecology are
protected.

• Price incentive, interest free loans, and other financial supports are provided in
assisting growers to change to EUREP GAP and ORGANIC farming practices.

• Pilot farms have been set up in different areas with Agricultural University and
with the Ministry of Agriculture to promote organic and GAP farming.

11.7 Ethical trading

• The company has develop a “Win-Win” policy that all parties, from growers to
workers to consumers and to the company, have their fair shares from the
operation
• Under age worker or “child labour” is not allowed in their company.
• Free medication, social security, are provided to all workers. The company goes
beyond what is required by law to provide better welfare to all workers such as
longer period with full pay on maternity leave.
• On over time, one and a half time normal wage is paid on normal working day.
On holiday two times is paid
• Free vacation and free transportation to and from work are provided

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• Interest free loans are provided for employees who are in need
• All growers get guarantee prices for their produces on long term contracts.
Interest free loans are provided to improve their farms
• Scholarship are provided to children of the company‟s workers
• All workers, growers, and other suppliers are paid exactly on time

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 12. COMMERCIAL THAI COMPANIES

There are numbers of companies involve in baby corn production are processing. The list
below given names and contact addresses of some of the commercial companies.

Company: River Kwai International Food Industry Co., Ltd.

Address: 21st floor, Thaniya plaza, 52 Silom Rd., Suriywongse, Bangrak, Bangkok,
10500, Thailand
Tel: (662) 231-2934
Fax: (662) 231-2944
E-mail: [email protected]

Company: THAI AGRI FOODS PUBLIC CO., LTD.

Address: 155/1 MOO 1, THEPARAK RD., BANGSAOTHING KING A.
BANGSAOTHONG, SAMUTPRAKARN, THAILAND
Tel: (662) 02-3154171-6
Fax: (662) 02-315469,315-4188
E-mail: [email protected]

Company: AMPRO INTERTRADE CO., LTD.

Address: 328 CHAROENNAKORN 40, CHAROENNAKORN RD.
BANGLUMPOOLANG, KLONGSAN, BANGKOK 10600, Thailand
Tel: (662) 437 6708
Fax: (662) 437 5957
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Company: SUPER J. INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.

Address: 77/139, SINN SATHORN TOWER, 33rd FLOOR, KRUNGTHONBURI
ROAD, KLONGTHONSAI, KLONGSARN, BANGKOK 10600, Thailand
Tel: (662)440-0891-4
Fax: (662) 440-0890
E-mail:[email protected]

Company: ERAWAN FOODS COMPANY LIMITED

Address: 127/21 PANJATHANI TOWER, FLOOR 16, NONSEE, YANNAWA,
BANGKOK 10120, Thailand
Tel: (662) 681-0251-9
Fax : (662) 681-0250
E-mail: [email protected]

Company: ABC PRODUCTS CO., LTD.

Address: 89 CHAROENNAKORN, CHAROENNAKORN ROAD,
BANGLUMPULANG, KLONGSARN, BANGKOK, 10600, Thailand
Tel: (662) 8624841-5
Fax : (662) 862-4847

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E-mail: [email protected]

Company: NORTHERN FOOD CO.,LTD.

Address: 60/38 MOO 7, SOI MITRUNGROENGVILLA,BOROMRAJCHONNEE RD.,
TALINGCHAN BANGKOK 10170, Thailand
Tel: (662) 880-7284-6
Fax : (662) 880-7287
E-mail: [email protected]

Company: M-PATHY INTERTRADE CO., LTD.

Address: 50/28 MOO 5, BANGSITHONG, BANGKRUAY, NONTHABURI 11130,
Thailand
Tel: (662) 886-3066-7
Fax : (662) 866-3065
E-mail: [email protected]

Company: Pan Asia (1981) Co Ltd.

Address: 814 Soi Sukhumvit 50, Prakhanong, Bangkok 10250, THAILAND
Tel: (66) 2 332-0023-36
Fax : (66) 2 331-1971, 331-1972

Company: Thai Wei-Chuan Co., Ltd.

Address: 52/6 F3 Silom Condominium, Soi Saladaeng 2, Silom Road, Bangkok 10500,
Thailand.
Tel: (662) 2665877-8
Fax : (662) 2665879

Company: Pan Asia (1981) Co Ltd.

Address: 814 Soi Sukhumvit 50, Prakhanong, Bangkok 10250, THAILAND
Tel: (66) 2 332-0023-36
Fax : (66) 2 331-1971, 331-1972

Company: Siam Growth Co., Ltd.

Address: 3 Soi Charansanitwong Road, Bangbamru, Bangkok, Thailand 10700
Tel: 66 2 9772000
Fax : 66 2 9772002

Company: Fresh Partners (Thailand)

Address: 87 Wireless Road, Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: 66 18204658
Fax : 66 2 654 0 326
Company: Asia Exotic Corporation Ltd.
Address: 600/775 Moo 14, Mooban Sewali Soi 2/1, Paholyothin Rd., Kukot, Lamlookka,
Pathumtani, Thailand 12130
Tel: 66 2 9221210
Fax : 66 2 9221211

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Company: CK Interbiz Co. Ltd.
Address: 394/752 Rm. 852, Moo 3, Phetkasem Rd., Bangkae, Bangkok, Thailand 10160
Tel: 66 2 8039265
Fax : 66 2 8039153

Company: Vachamon Food Limited

Address: 1332/1-2 Prachachum, In Front Soi 39, Bangsua, Bangsua, Bangkok, Thailand
10800
Tel: 66 2 9517641
Fax : 66 2 9517571

Company: PechSiam Daily Foods Company Limited

Address : 110/49 Moo 7, Bang Na Trad Roadd, Bangchalong,, Bangplee, Samutprakan,
Thailand
Tel: 66 1 2788812
Fax: 66 2 7522775
Website: http://www.pechsiam.com

Company: Liberty Fruits Co., Ltd

Address : Worachak, Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand 10100
Tel: 66 2 6215949
Fax: 66 2 6215949

Company: R. S. Foods Tech (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

Address : 54 Soi Petkasem 4, Petkasem Road, Watta, Bangkok, Thailand 10600
Tel: 66 2 8925535
Fax: 66 2 8925535
Website: http://www.rsfoodstech.thailand.com

Company: New Lamthong Foods Industries Co., Ltd.

Address : 12/9 Arunamarin Rd., Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, Thailand 10700
Tel: 66 2 4334370
Fax: 66 2 8834880
Website: http://www.newlamthong.thailand.com

Company: Universal Food Public Company Limited

Address : 947/157, Moo 12, Bangna-Trad Road, Bangna, Bangkok
10260, Thailand
Tel: +66 ( 0 ) 2 398 8555, 2 361 8954-57
Fax: +66 ( 0 ) 2 744 0860-2
Company: V.A.S. ORIENTIAL THAILAND 1999 CO., LTD.
Address : 31/3 MOO 3, SOI PINYO, SONGPRAPHA ROAD, SEEGUN DONMUANG
BANGKOK, 10210 ,Thailand
Tel: (662) 5662186
Fax: (662) 5662451

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E-mail: [email protected]

Company: GREAT ORIENTAL FOOD PRODUCTS CO., LTD

Address : 888/127 SOI THANAPHOL 2, PANUCH VILLAGE,
PHACHARATBUMPHEN RD., SAMSEN-NOK HUAYKWANG, BANGKOK 10310,
Thailand
Tel:(662) 691-6821-2
Fax: (662) 691-6824
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.greatoriental.com

Company: SUN SWEET CO., LTD.

Address : NO. 9 MOO 1, SANPATONG-BANKAD RD. ,TOONGSATOK
SANPATONG, CHIANGMAI 50120 ,Thailand
Tel: (66-53) 830-555
Fax: (66-53) 830-563, 311-992
E-mail : [email protected]
Website: www.kc.co.th ,www.sunsweethai.com

Company: O.V. INTERNATIONAL IMPORT-EXPORT CO., LTD.

Address : 15 SOI TAKSIN 5, TAKSIN STREET, KLONGTONSAI KLONGSAN,
BANGKOK 10600, Thailand
Tel: (662)438-1546, 438-2585
Fax: (662) 437-8275
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.ovinterfoods.com

Company: NORTHERN FOOD CO.,LTD.

Address : 60/38 MOO 7, SOI MITRUNGROENGVILLA BOROMRAJCHONNEE
RD., TALINGCHAN, BANGKOK 10170, Thailand
Tel: (662) 880-7284-6
Fax: (662) 880-7287
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: northernfood.co.th

Company: VITA FOOD FACTORY (1989) CO., LTD.

Address : 89 ARUNAMARIN RD., BANGYIKHAN BANGPLAD, BANGKOK 10700,
Thailand
Tel: (662) 433 6018-19
Fax: (662) 433 7333
E-mail:: [email protected]; Website: www.vitafood.co.th

Company: MALEE SAMPRAN PUBLIC CO.,LTD.

Address : 401/1 MOO 8, PHAHOLYOTHIN RD., Koo Kod LUMLUKKA,
Prathumthani 12130, Thailand
Tel: (662) 992- 5800

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Fax: (662) 992- 5839
E-mail:: [email protected]
Website: www.malee.co.th

Company: GREAT ORIENTAL FOOD PRODUCTS CO., LTD

Address : 888/127 SOI THANAPHOL 2, PANUCH VILLAGE,
PHACHARATBUMPHEN RD. ,SAMSEN-NOK HUAYKWANG ,BANGKOK 10310,
Thailand
Tel: (662) 691-6821-2
Fax: (662) 691-6824
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.greatoriental.com

Company: FANG AGRI FOODS PRODUCTS CO., LTD.

Address : 211 MOO 17, WIANG FANG, CHIANG MAI 50110 Thailand
Tel: (66-53) 452 074-5
Fax: (66-53) 452 425
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.fangagrifoods.co.th

Company: GRAND ASIA FOOD INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

Address : 5/127 Soi Udomsab, Boromrajchonnanee Road – Bangkoknoi, Bangkok
10700, Thailand
Tel: (662) 433 6450 To 5
Fax: (662) 433 4255
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.grandasiafoods.com

Company: ASA Bangkok Ltd.

Address: 86 Ekamai 10 Sukhumvit 63, Bangkok 10110, THAILAND
Tel: (66) 2 381-9696, 381-9697

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