Trang: Farmers in Nam Phut Subdistrict, Mueang Trang District, are thriving by raising rabbits for both meat and ornamental purposes, capitalizing on a market with minimal competition in the southern border provinces. This venture is proving to be more profitable than traditional livestock farming, with prices significantly higher than pork, providing supplementary income of tens of thousands of baht monthly.
According to Thai News Agency, at the heart of this success is Korkan Farm, managed by 52-year-old farmer Mr. Navee Chankrajang. Initially a goat farmer, Mr. Chankrajang transitioned to rabbit breeding after an unsuccessful attempt at guinea pig farming. Since 2022, he has focused on New Zealand White and Giant breeds, producing over 100 rabbits ready for sale each month.
The rabbit farming process involves raising meat rabbits to a weight of at least 2.5 kilograms over 3-4 months. These rabbits sell for 200-350 baht each, commanding prices twice that of pork. Each female rabbit's pregnancy lasts about 30 days, yielding 7-8 offspring per litter. The rabbits' diet consists of standard rabbit feed, supplemented with fresh banana leaves, grass, rice bran, and pesticide-free garden vegetables.
Middlemen purchase rabbits weighing over 2 kilograms directly from the farm each month, acquiring 50-100 animals for resale in Pattani Province. Ornamental rabbits, on the other hand, are in high demand among customers in Trang and neighboring provinces, purchased for restaurants, cafes, zoos, and hotels at prices ranging from 200-450 baht each. The demand for these ornamental rabbits is so high that orders must be placed months in advance.
Despite often being overlooked as a supplementary occupation, rabbit farming can generate a monthly income of at least 15,000-18,000 baht. Mr. Navee, along with one other person in his network, remains a pioneer in this niche market within Nam Phut Subdistrict, selling at least 150 rabbits per month without facing competition.