Multi-purpose Banana Drying Processor Wins “Outstanding Award” Revolutionizing Production Process to Help Communities Generate Sustainable Income

“The Multi-Purpose Banana Drying Processor”, developed by“Associate Professor Warinthon Poolsri” from the Faculty of Agricultural Technology at Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi (RMUTT), has won the “Outstanding Award” at the “RMUTT IP & Business Matching: Turning Ideas into Markets, Creating Opportunities for the Future” event. The event was organized to provide researchers with a platform to present innovations with high commercial potential. This year, “17 projects” participated in the pitching competition, with the multi-purpose banana drying processor securing the “1st Place Outstanding Award“ along with a “10,000-baht prize”.

This innovation was meticulously designed to address challenges faced by communities primarily engaged in banana farming, where traditional banana drying methods are “time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly”. The machine significantly improves efficiency, processing “120 bananas per minute”—far exceeding the traditional method’s output of “only 4-5 bananas per minute“—with a “low defect rate of just 3%”, demonstrating its precision and reliability. Another key feature is its “adjustable roller”, which allows producers to control the thickness of the bananas, ensuring con

sistent product standards and catering to diverse market demands.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Warinthon explained that the machine was designed to be “simple, durable, and suitable for communities with limited technological access“. It is constructed from “stainless steel”, which resists corrosion and wear, while the internal conveyor belt uses “PVC coating“ to prevent syrup adhesion and mold growth, making cleaning easier. Additionally, the machine is “easily disassembled”, enabling users to perform maintenance themselves and reducing repair costs.

“This machine is not limited to processing dried bananas but can also be used for other products, such as meat and soap. This versatility allows communities to generate income from multiple sources, diversify business risks, and create continuous development opportunities. With a production cost of just 29,000 baht—compared to the high labor costs of traditional methods—it offers great value and a quick return on investment,” the creator stated.

In closing, “Assoc. Prof. Dr. Warinthon” highlighted that the key advantage of this

innovation is its ability to “boost production speed from 4-5 bananas per minute to 120 bananas per minute“, significantly increasing income. The resulting product maintains “high quality“, comparable to commercially sold dried bananas. Moreover, the machine is “user-friendly, easy to maintain, and repairable“, reducing reliance on complex or expensive external technologies. Most importantly, it empowers local communities by providing a “practical, self-sufficient innovation” that enhances long-term stability.

Interested parties can contact the “Intellectual Property Management Unit, Research and Development Institute, RMUTT“, at “02-549-4493“ for more information.