Introduction	Fresh baby corn is grown year-round in the same areas as sweet corn.  It is harvested within 42-45 days.  Fresh baby corn is delivered for the domestic market (Thai's do not like canned corn). Baby corn is a commodity that is exploted for domestic and export markets. this crop provides about Bt 500 million annually to farmers.  The rate of increase in production of baby corn has been about 9% per annum.  Fresh baby corn is popular both for the domestic and export markets.  Though quality requirements for each are opposites – domestic fresh baby corn is the material rejected by the processing factories, whilst the exported product is of the very highest quality.  Farmers can sell baby corn at a high price and if they de-husk, revenue is obtained from the husk, silk, panicle and stem. (sold to cattle farmers). Baby corn can only be planted year round if there is adequate soil water - baby corn planting requires a lot of water. Generally, supplies are available all year round.  However, there is a peak during March to October.
Production areas	Major planting areas are the central, northern and northeast regions.  Main provinces: In the central region, Ratchaburi province is the major area for growing baby corn. Followed by Kanchanaburi, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom (together these areas account for 50% of the total planted area). In the north, Lamphun, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Chiang Mai, and Phayao – in these provinces baby corn is grown only in the rainy season due to water shortages and incomplete irrigation.  In the northeast the major planting areas are Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram and Yasothon, the northeast accounts for 19% of the total planted area
Utilization	Domestic consumption is of the fresh form. The baby corn canning industry has grown rapidly in recent years.  Factories have diversified into baby corn canning after gaining expertise canning other vegetables or fruits.  Canning factories are mainly located in the central plains, with some in the north and northeast.  Baby corn chilling facilities are predominantly in the central plain
Domestic demand	The quantity of baby corn consumed locally is not known.  The amount probably represents about 10 – 20% of the total production.
International trade	Thailand is the world's largest exporter of baby corn. Total exports in 1998 were 54,543 ton and in the first six months of 1999 (Jan-June) 27,868 ton.

 

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