Thailand establishes ‘organic rice growing village’ targeting health-conscious consumers

PHAYAO, 7 May 2013 (NNT) – The Rice Department of Thailand has established an organic rice growing village to target health conscious consumers both in Thailand and the ASEAN region. The project is also aimed to help farmers adapt to a new cultivation trend and raise the standards of Thai rice.

The Director-General of the Rice Department says that organic rice has become popular in the health consumer market because of its free-from-chemical production process. Apart from being environmentally friendly, organic rice is an important cash crop, adding value to the Thai rice exports.

According to the Director-General, the organic rice village is one the Rice Department’s major projects, and two such villages have already been established in Phattalung and Buriram provinces. The aim is for farmers to adapt their production processes, using the least amount of chemicals, thus leaving no chemical residues on harvested crops. The process has been ideal and sought after by consumers, both in domestic and international markets.

Read more: NNT