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Thailand opens genetic testing centre to improve its rice

Thailand has opened a genetic testing centre to improve its rice after Hom Mali (jasmine) grain was dethroned by a Cambodian rice variety at the World Rice Conference last month.
Thailand opens genetic testing centre to improve its rice ảnh 1Rice is sold at a store in Narathiwat, a southern province of Thailand. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand has opened agenetic testing centre to improve its rice after Hom Mali (jasmine) grain wasdethroned by a Cambodian rice variety at the World Rice Conference last month.

Ronnarong Phoolpipat, chief of the Department of ForeignTrade (DFT) under Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce, said that the centreat Ubon Ratchathani Rice Research Centre will boost Thailand’s exportcompetitiveness in line with the country’s rice development plan between 2020and 2024.

The DNA testing service will help rice farmers, millersand traders ensure the authenticity of their products via rapid genetic testsat low cost.

The service aims to strengthen the internationalreputation of Thai rice and create an advantage amid fierce competition, hesaid.

Thai HomMali rice (Jasmine Rice) is native to Thailand and considered the pride of thenation. It was recognised with the World’s Best Rice Award 2021for a second consecutive year. The “Jasmine” name comes from the color of itsgrain which is white as the jasmine flower.

From January to October 2022, Hom Mali rice exportsreached 1.28 million tonnes, up 27% over the same period last year.

According to DFT, Thailand is likely to meet its exporttarget of 7.5 million tonnes of rice this year and may even exceed the targetof 8.58 million tonnes.

Ronnarong said that Iraq imported 1.3 million tonnes ofThai rice in the first 10 months of this year, helping the country's riceexports increase by 500% over the same period last year. 

Thailand’s rice exports to two key markets - the US andthe Philippines - increased by 25% and 44% respectively./. 

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