Development of Semi-Dehydrated Persimmon Products for Mae Hae Royal Project Development Center, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

Highland farmers in the region surrounding the Luang Maehae Project Development Center in the Mae Chaem District of Chiang Mai Province have been facing the problem of dropping persimmon price and low grade persimmon fruit. Fresh persimmon price was only 2.81-3.00 Baht (less than 0.01 USD) per kilogram, as a result, farmers left persimmon fruits rotted on tree. To address this issue, the Royal Project Foundation has supported the development of semi-dried persimmon processing, aiming to enhance the value of persimmons through the following key processes: 1) Development of hygienic hot air dryers, 2) Technology transfer of the semi-dry persimmon processing method, 3) Improvement of drying plants to meet the safety standards for non-factory food production sites,  and 4) Establishment of a community enterprise group for processing hygienic fruit and vegetable in Ban Mae Hae Nuea. The results showed that the hot air dryer is now capable of processing 200 kilograms of dried persimmons at a time. The drying plant has obtained a safety standard for food production facility license (No. 50-2-06066), and the food production license (FDA No. 50-0-06066-6-0001). The hygienic Fruit and Vegetable Processing Community Enterprise Group in Ban Mae Hae Nuea, comprising 41 initial members, has facilitated the transfer of semi-dry persimmon processing technology to local farmers. The production of semi-dried persimmon products is now available for sale in 16 Royal Project stores across the nation. In 2023, the Community Enterprise Group generated revenue of 1.4 million Baht (around 38,764 USD) through the sale of semi-dried persimmon products. Members of the group derive income from selling these products, with employment opportunity created for local farmers at a rate of 300 Baht (8.31 USD) per day for 24 women and the elderly. Furthermore, the average annual benefit-sharing among the members of Community Enterprise Group was 35,000 Baht (around 969 USD) per share. This project also provides the positive environmental implication, contributing to the reduction of illegal persimmon tree cutting and forest clearing in the jurisdiction of the Forest Department in Ban Mae Hae Nuea sub-district. The result aligns with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and promotes the grassroots economy following the policy of the Royal Project Foundation.