Enhancement of Supply Chain Management Efficiency of Lemongrass to Increase the Value of Community Products.

Abstract

This research aims to enhance the efficiency of lemongrass supply chain management in order to increase the value of community products. Lemongrass is a plant native to Sri Lanka and India. Its leaves possess a distinctive aromatic fragrance and are widely cultivated for use as an ingredient in cooking, particularly in Thai cuisine such as Tom Yum. In addition, lemongrass is utilized as a raw material in the cosmetic industry, including soap and shampoo production. According to traditional medicinal knowledge, lemongrass has medicinal properties such as relieving flatulence, stimulating appetite, improving digestive function, treating urinary tract disorders, reducing food odors, and alleviating loss of appetite (Ramanya Narisopa et al., 2022). This study was conducted to identify the potential and existing problems that lead to the development of community-based lemongrass products. The research emphasizes product development models, efficiency enhancement processes, upgrading production and supply chain management, and increasing household income for lemongrass farmers. The objectives include developing existing occupations, promoting new occupations, and enhancing knowledge related to lemongrass processing in order to generate income for farmers and support the growth and circulation of the local grassroots economy. The research findings indicate that the implementation of the project resulted in the emergence of new learning processes within the farming community. Effective approaches for enhancing production management efficiency and increasing household income among lemongrass farmers were developed. A value-added agricultural product model, namely Chinese herbal formula citronella balm oil, was created to address the issue of insufficient income. This model can be applied as a prototype for enhancing the potential of other agricultural products. Moreover, new systematic and high-quality knowledge in supply chain management and income enhancement was generated, serving as a good practice model for community enterprises in Nakhon Pathom Province and contributing to the strengthening of community economic sustainability. Recommendations The findings of this study can serve as important information for community leaders, community enterprise presidents, and farmer groups to raise awareness of the significance of product processing in establishing an effective value-added operation system. Farmer groups should adapt to changing conditions and develop a clear vision to actively participate as key contributors in product development processes. Furthermore, the results provide administrators and relevant personnel with a clear understanding of farmers’ operational outcomes and defined objectives to be achieved. Opportunities should be created for farmer groups to participate in enhancing business competitiveness, which requires continuous adaptation to ensure sustainable survival. This includes setting clear performance outcomes, emphasizing achieved results, and motivating group members to collectively work toward success.