Lampang: The Ministry of Energy unveiled an innovative model for community enterprises in Lampang Province, showcasing the transformation of local wisdom into five-star OTOP products, namely “Kru Kan Mushroom Rice Crackers” and “Thaweephan Rice Crackers.” These products leverage Ministry of Energy technology to optimize manufacturing processes, significantly cutting production costs, energy consumption, and global warming, while generating over 4 million baht annually. Plans are underway to open new markets at gas stations to enhance sales, appeal to younger consumers, and bolster the grassroots economy for sustainable growth.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Weerapat Kiatfuengfu, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and spokesperson, alongside Ms. Pattira Saipratumthip, Inspector-General of the Ministry of Energy, visited Lampang Province to observe the achievements of “Energy-Saving Community Products” by two exemplary community enterprises. The Ban Suan Mae Tha Mushroom Processing Group, the producer of “Kru Kan Brand Mushroom Crackers,” and the Thawiphan Rice Cracker Group, the producer of “Thawiphan Rice Crackers,” incorporate energy-efficient technologies into their production processes. This initiative not only results in cost savings but also adds value and promotes sustainable growth, earning them the “Energy-Saving Community Products” certificate.
Mr. Weerapat highlighted the Ministry of Energy’s mission to promote efficient energy use at all levels. He emphasized that “community products, energy-saving” serve as a crucial driver of the grassroots economy, utilizing the Ministry’s energy technology to empower entrepreneurs. The success of these enterprises demonstrates that “proper energy investment” can modernize traditional production methods, reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, thereby lowering energy costs and increasing community income. This success story could potentially inspire similar transformations in other communities nationwide.
‘Kru Kan Mushroom Crackers’ is a community enterprise born out of necessity when a group of housewives in Ban Suan Mae Tha faced declining oyster mushroom prices. They turned this crisis into an opportunity by creating a high-value processed product using organic oyster mushrooms. The Ministry supported them by installing a solar-powered drying facility, which reduced drying time and ensured consistent quality. Besides crackers, they offer products like heavenly mushrooms, mushroom chili paste, and sun-dried mushrooms. Their products, certified as 5-star OTOP, FDA, GMP, HACCP, and Halal, generate 1.8 million baht in annual sales and significantly cut carbon emissions.
‘Taweephan Rice Cracker,’ produced by the Taweephan Rice Cracker Group in Ko Kha District, modernizes the traditional Lanna practice of preserving sticky rice. With flavors like sugarcane juice, seaweed, and wasabi, the group has benefited from Ministry support to manage energy efficiently during production. Their products, recognized as OTOP Product Champions for three years, meet GMP, HACCP, Organic, and Halal standards, with annual sales reaching 17 million baht. This includes exports to Europe and Australia and domestic sales of 2.5 million baht, all while maintaining low CO2 emissions.
The Ministry of Energy plans to promote “energy-saving community products” nationwide to enhance recognition as environmentally friendly products. In 2025, they aim to collaborate with petrol stations to expand distribution channels, thereby creating new marketing opportunities and increasing community income. “Kru Kan Mushroom Rice Crackers” and “Thaweephan Rice Crackers” are set for distribution in Thai Det stores under PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited, targeting health- and environmentally conscious consumers.
Mr. Weerapat concluded that the success of these enterprises underscores the potential of local entrepreneurs when supported with appropriate energy technology. The Ministry is committed to backing other community enterprises to reduce energy costs, generate income, and improve quality of life. A market launch campaign is in the works to promote these energy-saving products at gas stations and affiliated stores, facilitating public access, particularly for the younger generation, to community products that consider environmental and global warming impacts, while advancing the quality of life and driving sustainable economic growth.