BANGKOK, 1 February 2012 (NNT) – The Rice Department reveals Thailand exports the largest amount of rice in the world and produces 20 million tons of rice a year, with half of that amount for domestic consumption alone.
As the Rice Department is responsible for rice production and quality, it continuously provides knowledge on planting techniques to rice farmers, improves rice species and grains, prevents damage from pests and diseases, as well as finds new technology to boost rice production.
With the growing popularity of Japanese food, the Department is now trying to improve the quality of the strain ‘Kor Khor 45’, which is similar to Japanese rice with short and rounder grains, to cater to Japanese eateries in Thailand.
Thailand is able to produce up to 20 million tons of rice annually thanks to the work of 16 million farmers and the cultivating areas of 60 million rai nationwide. Around half of rice produced each year is exported overseas while the remainder is distributed in the domestic market.
The Kingdom has been the biggest rice exporter for 30 years. Although Vietnam is now a major rival and the second largest exporter, according to the Rice Department, the quality of Thai rice remains superior especially the jasmine rice, which has beautiful fragrance when cooked. It is also popular among rice consumers around the world.
Meanwhile, the Department said even though the government’s rice pledging scheme would cause the prices of rice to increase, the demands for rice would not decline given its quality. Farmers would also be able to sell their paddy to the government under the program at higher prices.
National News Bureau Of Thailand
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