The Rice Department is on a mission to elevate the prominence of Thai rice globally by promoting unique rice strains with certified geographical indication (GI) labels to a broader market.
Farming communities in regions such as Phatthalung and Trang in the South, along with Phayao in the North, have successfully developed premium rice-based products that consumers are willing to pay a premium for. These communities envision a future where rice becomes a significant and sustainable source of income, enhancing their quality of life.
Local Innovations
An agricultural specialist from the Rice Department highlighted the importance of native rice cultivars in the long-term development strategy for Thailand’s rice industry. “Local communities can leverage the diversity of rice in the country by highlighting the unique qualities of each strain, complemented by the promotion of agrotourism,” she stated.
In the southern provinces, there exists an extensive variety of local rice strains, including 182 short-grain and 14 glutinous rice varieties, many of which have received GI certification. Notably, Khao Sang Yod from Phatthalung and Khao Bao Yod Muang from Trang are among the most prestigious.
The Rice Department has been actively supporting community enterprises in the region by providing rice seedlings, conducting quality inspections, and assisting with packaging requirements and distribution channels.
At the Rice Research Centre in Phatthalung, there has been a marked increase in seed distribution due to rising demand, with roughly 18 tonnes of Sang Yod rice seeds distributed last year and 23 tonnes this year, reflecting a 20% increase. Organic cultivation practices are being implemented around the Songkhla Lake basin to ensure quality.
Community Success Stories
A local community exemplifying success in organic Sang Yod rice production is overseeing 970 rai of farmland yielding an average of 400 kilograms per rai. This premium rice sells for approximately 27,000 baht per tonne, significantly outpacing the average conventional rice price of around 14,000 baht per tonne.
In further efforts to conserve local biodiversity, the Rice Research Centre has collected over 100 landrace rice strains from southern Thailand. Some seeds are planted at the centre for additional propagation, while others are preserved in seed banks for future generations.
The department is also working to certify more regional rice strains as GI products. One upcoming addition is Khao Hom Hua Bon, a variety from Krabi known for its unique fragrance and health benefits, including high antioxidant levels.
“Our research indicates that traditional landrace rice strains are resilient to climate change, which threatens crop yields. These strains will play a critical role in securing food supply as we adapt to environmental changes,” experts noted.
Rising Stars in the North
Meanwhile, northern Thailand is also seeing growth in the production of premium rice products. A rice farming community in Chun subdistrict, Phayao, reported successful production of jasmine and other specialty rice varieties, generating significant income for local residents.
The director of the Rice Product Development Division noted that the region’s unique volcanic soil enhances rice quality, but urged farmers to explore innovative techniques to further improve their products.
Beyond Traditional Rice
Thailand boasts numerous rice cultivars with untapped potential for local communities. One farmer emphasized their community’s use of modern technology to diversify their organic rice offerings into value-added products.
These innovations include transforming Sang Yod rice into instant porridge, pizza dough, and various cosmetic products. Other enterprises in Trang and Phayao are also producing rice milk, rice flour, and snacks, showcasing the versatility and marketability of organic GI-certified rice.
