Products made from natural materials are spinning a profit for communities.
Products made from natural materials are spinning a profit for communities in Kanchanaburi, writes Chatrudee Theparat
Banana leaves may look worthless, but to some farmers at Tung Samo in Kanchanaburi, they contribute significant income. The banana leaf group, which has 22 members, sees a monthly profit of 50,000-60,000 baht. The group also helps generate income for nearby communities and other provinces that grow flowers, bananas and other decorative leaves to supply the group.
The group’s business practices are acclaimed by the government, which is promoting grassroots or local economy development, as well as grouping locals together to become community enterprises.
The group was formed by Suporn Malapong, 44, who decided 17 years ago to resign from a company in Bangkok and head back to her hometown.
Mrs Suporn started her own business, operating local bus services from Don Chedi district of Suphan Buri and Kanchanaburi. After two years, she sold the bus business and began learning banana leaf crafts and the art of flower decoration from officials in the Bureau of the Royal Household.
She took a one-year course in banana leaf craft and flower decoration before establishing the banana leaf craft and flower decorating group in 2004 with 10 members.
The 22 current members range in age from 18 to 70. Members earn a portion of the combined 50,000-60,000 baht a month. During Lent, the profit surges to 100,000 baht.
The group produces banana leaf crafts and flower decorations ordered from village peers in the district and nearby areas.
“I am happy to be back here, as I can stay home while being able to take care of my mother and son,” Mrs Suporn said. “Banana leaf craft may not make as much income as working for a company in Bangkok, but I see it as worthwhile for a peaceful life, good for the environment and being useful to the community in which we were born.”
According to Mrs Suporn, who is also the treasurer, the group’s business motivates the villagers to grow more flowers such as lotus, marigold, jasmine, cape jasmine, bullet wood, canna lily and various decorating leaves while 70% of raw materials are available in the community.
Mrs Suporn also teaches banana leaf craft and flower decorations at schools in the province and at Kanchanaburi’s cultural centre, now that the province is seeking to support villagers’ supplementary careers to generate more income.
The government has assigned Rajabhat universities nationwide to play a more important and active role to support and upgrade community tourism and community businesses.
Suppakit Jongsaksawat, a member of the Faculty of Management Technology at Kanchanaburi Rajabhat University, said the government requires the institute to support the development of additional careers for local people to generate more income. This will bolster community businesses and community tourism, he said.
Mr Suppakit said many communities in Kanchanaburi have the potential to develop community tourism and community ventures. They have strong leaders who can upgrade the quality of life of locals.
The university targets applying R&D to help communities upgrade their occupations and generate more income.
Kanchanaburi Rajabhat University has created a premium-grade perfume extracted from Moke Sirikit or Moke Rachinee (wild water plum), which is branded Sirinthara by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
Mr Suppakit said the university is working to design a product and develop marketing plans.
The university is conducting further research to extract the aromatic substance of the Orapim (Bauhinia winitii Craib).
The flower is a symbol of Kanchanaburi Rajabhat University.
“The university is also developing a specific course on cosmetics which will be under the science faculty,” Mr Suppakit said. “The new course is likely to be launched in 2020.”