การพัฒนากระบวนการผลิตของกลุ่มผู้ผลิตผ้าฝ้ายทอมือ กรณีศึกษา : กลุ่มทอฝ้ายบ้านดอนหลวง ตำบลแม่แรง อำเภอป่าซาง จังหวัดลำพูน

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate a general characteristic, a potential, a context, a production cost, revenue, a profit of a cotton handmade weaving production carried out by local people in Donluang village, Maerang sub-district, in Pasang district, Lumphun province in order to identify best practices in all aspects of its production processes. This applied research employed both a qualitative method and a participation action research for a sampling group of 16 local households. The analysis of data was completed by using frequencies, percentages, means, variants and standard deviations. Regarding the forementioned action research, a wide variety of activities were carried out; i.e. a workshop, discussion, and a study visit to other successful groups. The findings indicated that these 16 producers was divided into 4 types: 1) cloth weaving 2 producers 2) cut out 11 producers 3) weaving and cut out 2 producers and 4) flag weaving 1 producer. These products are curtains, pillows, upper-body clothes, trousers, bed-cover, table-cover, hat, bag and others souvenirs made from cotton handmade weaving. The analysis of cost and return shows that 58.3 % of all products sold generate profits less than 10 %, 33.3 % of the products provide 10-20 % profit, and the rest brought the producers above 20 % in profit. As sales through retail channel could bring more profit than wholesale, it is suggested that the producers should give priority to the former. The problems concerned includes a continuity as their young generation are losing interests in this traditional products; a high cost of raw materials; and lacking of skilled labor, new technologies, new patterns to attract buyers, and relevant knowledge. In order to address the above problems, it is suggested that every parties involved including local administrations, schools, etc should help encourage young generation to be more interested in local wisdom so that this production skill could pass on to their children. Product differentiation is also crucial for a better price which is important of its survival. Packaging and brand building are recommended for future development.