INNO PROMOTION OF PROCESSING TO CREATE ADDED VALUE OF WILD SWEET VEGETABLES OF BAN MAE WA DENCHAI MAE WA SUBDISTRICT THOEN DISTRICT LAMPANG PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aims to 1) Study the processing of wild sweet vegetable in Mae Wa Den Chai community, 2) Develop the processing of wild sweet vegetable in Mae Wa Den Chai community, and 3) Promote the value-added of wild sweet vegetable processing in Mae Wa Den Chai community, Mae Wa sub-district, Thoen district, Lampang province. This study used participatory action research methods. The tools used were in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and research seminars. Key informants were divided into 5 groups: 1) Village headmen, village chiefs, and the mayor of Mae Wa sub-district administrative organization, totaling 5 persons; 2) Thoen district agricultural officers, Thoen district community development officers, totaling 7 persons; 3) Food academics,
product and packaging design academics, Suan Dusit University, Lampang center, totaling 8 persons; 4) Local scholars, totaling 30 persons; and 5) 7 groups of wild sweet vegetable growers. Content analysis revealed that 1) The study of wild sweet vegetable processing included the cultivation of wild sweet vegetable, harvesting of wild sweet vegetable, and processing of wild sweet vegetable such as young shoots for cooking. Roots are used as medicine. 2) Development of wild vegetable processing by using naturally grown, non-toxic wild vegetables to process into rice crackers, water lily snacks, and Thong Muan snacks. and 3) Promotion of adding value to wild vegetable processing by developing packaging designs, logo designs from community identity, and developing online product sales formats. Creating a network for product exhibitions and sales booths, such as at the Lampang Red Cross Fair and the Lampang OTOP Fair. The research results resulted in a wild vegetable processing group, a distinctive brand, and processed products, namely rice crackers, water lily snacks, and Thong Muan snacks.