Developing the Agripreneurship Marketing Mechanism of Buddhist Agricultural Way of Life in Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) examine the basic agricultural information of date palm growers in Khon Kaen Province, 2) investigate the process of driving the marketing mechanism of date palms based on Buddhist agricultural practices in Khon Kaen Province, and 3) develop the marketing driving mechanism of date palms based on Buddhist 
agricultural practices in Khon Kaen Province. This study employed a qualitative research approach using participatory action research. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The key informants were selected by purposive sampling, consisting of 21 monks and laypersons.
The findings revealed that 
1) the basic agricultural information of date palm growers in Khon Kaen Province indicated that date palm cultivation still faces several limitations, including high production costs, a long cultivation period before yielding produce, and problems with diseases and insect pests. However, date palm cultivation tends to promote occupational sustainability and can increase income for farmers and communities in the long term. 
2) The process of driving the marketing mechanism of date palms based on Buddhist agricultural practices in Khon Kaen Province has not yet been clearly and systematically established, particularly in product processing, which farmers often perceive as an additional burden. Therefore, there is a need for support in terms of knowledge provision, training, manual development, and the establishment of learning centers to enhance production and marketing capabilities. 
3) The development of the marketing driving mechanism of date palms based on Buddhist agricultural practices in Khon Kaen Province showed that date palms represent a new economic crop with strong potential to expand market opportunities, both in the form of fresh fruit sales and processed products with diverse forms. This requires accurate and appropriate agricultural knowledge, as well as systematic support from relevant agencies.