Value addition of organic germinated brown rice for economic enhancement in Thung Kula, Sisaket Province

Abstract

This research used mixed-methods research. Data were collected using structured pre-test and post-test. Data were analyzed using means, percentage, and standard deviation. The sample consisted of 50 people.  Research objective 1: To study the need for promoting production and value addition of organic germinated brown rice through focus group discussions involving farmers and academics experts. The findings indicated that the sample farmers aimed to add value to their rice through germinated brown rice processing, modern marketing strategies, and systematic business planning. Research objective 2: Processing of organic germinated brown rice.  The founding revealed that experts and the participants collaboratively developed germinated brown rice into high – value products. This involved processing the rice into a powder form, which was subsequently tested for bioactive compounds and nutritional content. The laboratory analysis revealed that 1 kg of germinated brown rice powder contained 28.72 mg of GABA. Two prototype products were developed: germinated brown rice mixed with grains and germinated brown rice mixed with collagen. Then, participants received business plan writing training under the guidance of academic experts. To evaluate the effectiveness of training, a 25 – item pre-test and post – test was administered to assess the participant’s knowledge and understanding. The evaluation results indicated that the participants’ level of understanding was low prior to the   training. However, following the training session, their knowledge significantly improved to    a moderate level. Research objective 3: To develop packaging and modern marketing channels. In collaboration with experts, participants were trained in creating business pages, content posting and selling via online platforms. To evaluate the training’s effectiveness, a 12 -item ore-test and post – test was administered to assess the participants’ knowledge and understanding of digital commerce. It was found that the participants’ initial level of understanding was low prior to the training. After the training test, their knowledge and understanding significantly improved to a moderate level.