Asst. Prof. Dr. Patchanee Yasurin, Dean, Theophane Venard School of Biotechnology, Assumption University of Thailand and Mr. Watcharoon Juyjumlong, Director of Division of Community Industry Development, Ministry of Industry (DIProm) have joined forces together in bringing food and herbal consultants and experts, along with a group of students who volunteer to visit "IN-TO Melon Farm" (อินทร์โตฟาร์ม) at Ang Thong province. IN-TO Melon Farm has been selected as a target entrepreneur that DIProm would like to set up as a model for "Holistic Area Based Community Development." The idea emphasizes on connecting gastronomy tourism through local networking to sustainably create income for the community.

Director Watcharoon has shared that to strengthen the Grassroots Economy, only support from government sector is inadequate. Support from other sectors, especially academic partners, would provide in-depth knowledge that assists the sustainable growth of the Grassroots Economy.

Director Watcharoon stated that Department of Industrial Promotion, Ministry of Industry or DIProm has shared experiences with SMEs, bringing experts to IN-TO Melon Farm to initiate the idea about Social Enterprises (SE). Social enterprises seek to maximize profits while maximizing benefits to community and the environment, and the profits are principally used to fund community programs. In Thailand, we have an advantage in food, agricultural products and herbal abundance. However, as of today, this benefit has been utilized to its fullest potential. Today, it is a good occasion that Assumption University has collaborated with us on exploring innovation in food, agricultural and herbal products.

The consultation was on the development of sustainable products from "IN-TO Melon Farm" to elevate the processing potential together with value-added agricultural products from the community. The pilot project is focused on training 50 farmers how to process Num Dok Mai mangoes and Nam Wa bananas. The training will also include the topics on required standards, quality control, and new product development. "IN-TO Melon Farm" has planned to support local community as a tourist destination where community can bring their products to sell to the crowd.

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