PRODUCTION PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT OF GERMINATED BROWN RICE TO INCREASE VALUE FOR SMALL GERMINATED BROWN RICE INDUSTRIES IN THE EAST OF THAILAND

Abstract

The objectives of this research article were to 1) develop the prototype production of germinated brown rice to increase value for Small and Micro Community Enterprises (SMEs) that is running business on germinated brown rice (GBR) in the East of Thailand, and 2) transfer knowledge to the SMEs of germinated brown rice in the East and others. This study was the experimental research. To compare the traditional germinated brown rice production process with the new model using 2 groups of fluidized bed dryer. A fluidized bed dryer was designed and developed to test production performance of GBR, the quality of GBR products under the agricultural product standards, and production cost analysis. These were done to present the prototype of GBR production which added value to the local products for the SMEs in the East. This will be commercial production which leads to the highest advantage of the community. The transferred knowledge will increase competitiveness of the community. The results showed that drying GBR at 130 degrees Celsius reduced the moisture content in the germinated brown rice remained 16.1 % db. After the drying process, the percentages of brown rice saplings, cracking, and chalky grain met the agricultural product standards. The drying process increased more GABA comparing to the traditional drying. The cost analysis of germinated brown rice production was 1.69 baht per kilogram. In addition, the results of transferring knowledge from research to community enterprises, farmers, and                3 groups of interested parties found that they could actually be used to produce, bring the greatest benefit to the community as well as increase the competitiveness of entrepreneurs. The prototype development of germinated brown rice production in this study can be increased value for Small and Micro Community Enterprises (SMEs) and developed guide to strengthen SME owners in the East of Thailand and be able to compete in the international market.