On Monday, October 23, 2023, the Center for Academic Services and the School of Pharmacy at Walailak University, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Chaweewan Klongsiriwet, attended a meeting with the Southern Region Research Network. The network was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kan Chantrapromma, and also included Asst. Prof. Dr. Nukool Chinfuk and Asst. Prof. Dr. Woraluck Lalitsasivimol from Hatyai University, Mr. Witthaya Rattanasudsai from Janely Farm (a community enterprise group raising stingless bees in Than Mai Kaew Village, Ta No Mae Ro Sub-district, Betong District, Yala Province), the exporters of processed products for distribution to China, Mr. Thaweephon Bunphon, the village chief, and Ban Khao Wang Community Leaders.
           The objective of this meeting is to discuss the development of the research problem related to cardamom products, aligning them with the market demand and preferences in China. The meeting takes place at the Multilayer Cropping System Research Center, Following the Father’s Footsteps, Ban Khao Wang, Hin Tok Subdistrict, Ron Phibun District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.
          If successful, this initiative could present an opportunity to support and promote the widespread cultivation of cardamom. Additionally, it could facilitate collaboration networks with other communities engaged in cardamom cultivation, creating additional income-generating products for households in the watershed areas of Ron Phibun district. The initiative aims to contribute to the economic stability of households alongside environmentally sustainable agricultural practices. It provides an alternative for conserving and restoring the watershed ecosystem, particularly in areas where rubber trees and multilayer cropping systems are co-cultivated, as cardamom trees are plants that help prevent soil erosion in areas with steep slopes.