Dr. Anusorn Jaitong expressed that the development of new products from Khu leave is a part of the project inspired by royal initiatives, aimed at preserving and enhancing the value of agricultural products for their beneficial uses. The Faculty of Industrial Technology at Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon (RMUTP) conducted a study visit to the community-based tourism group in the Homestay Stream area of Paknamprasan, Klaeng District, Rayong Province. This community specializes in producing tea from banana leaves, and the visit aimed to provide students with knowledge and experience in exploring and gathering information about herbal plants. The goal was to develop and transform them into new and diverse products for consumption or use.
Dr. Anusorn Jaitong further explained that the students’ efforts yielded various innovative products, including rice seasoning powder made from Khu leave. This product is a fusion of Japanese rice seasoning techniques and Thai botanical knowledge, with the guidance of Dr. Nomsak Sitibutr. Another product, banana leaf hand soap, possesses properties to remove dirt, alleviate itching caused by insect bites, and provide relaxation. Additionally, a herbal medicine product designed to relieve headaches was developed, guided by Assoc. Prof. Sakarin Hongrattanaworakit.
The Faculty of Industrial Technology expects that these study visits will not only contribute to the conservation of knowledge but will also encourage students to research and gather information to develop sustainable and diverse products. The integration of teaching methods and product development fosters a continuous learning experience and utilization of biological resources while ensuring biogenetic safety. These efforts also empower communities to take the knowledge from collaborative work and turn it into community products, generating additional income and preserving local wisdom.