CREATING ECONOMIC VALUE OF TOMATO PRODUCTS TO UPGRADE THE GRASSROOTS ECONOMY TO PROMOTE CAREERS AND GENERATE INCOME FOR TOMATO FARMERS IN HU THAP SUBDISTRICT, PAKHAM DISTRICT, BURIRAM PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to create economic value of tomato products to upgrade the grassroots economy, promote careers, and generate income for tomato farmers in Hu Nop Sub-district, Pakham District, Buriram Province, using participatory action research. The sample group was purposively selected from 35 tomato farmers in Hu Nop Sub-district, Pakham District, Buriram Province. The data collection methods included organizing meetings, organizing exchange forums, in-depth interviews, brainstorming, and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using non-theoretical event analysis and descriptive statistics, including frequency and percentage.

          The research results found that 1) The participatory management model for grassroots economic development found that the group had a participatory group management model with the following steps: 1.1) Jointly meeting to plan operations 1.2) Jointly planning and setting operational goals 1.3) Providing budget and equipment to drive operations through various networks for group members 1.4) Training to provide knowledge and develop vocational skills for members 1.5) Continuously developing the operation process 1.6) Creating work motivation and 1.7) Allocating group profits appropriately and fairly to all parties 2) Creating economic value for tomato products to promote careers and generate income for tomato farmers found that 2.1) Brainstorming on product processing needs, group members wanted to process tomato products and 2.2) Products to be processed include tomato tea. And tomato gummies and 3) Analysis of costs, returns and financial management for sustainable grassroots economic development found that 3.1) farmers had a production cost of tomato tea/bag of 15.93 baht and a production cost of tomato gummies/jar of 29.25 baht and 3.2) income from selling tomato tea products and tomato gummies totaled 7,460 baht, production costs of 4,632.40 baht and gross profit of 2,827.60 baht, representing a gross profit margin of 37.90%. and 3.3) Effective financial management contributes to value creation from tomatoes through efficient processing. This not only increases farmers’ income but also concretely enhances the grassroots economy and promotes sustainable community development in Hu Thamnop Subdistrict, Prakhon Chai District, Buriram Province. Therefore, based on the research findings, it is evident that tomato farmers in Hunob Subdistrict should process their cultivated tomatoes into value-added products in order to enhance the local economy, create sustainable careers, and generate stable income for the community. This is reflected in the increase in the gross profit margin achieved.