Illustrative image (Photo: The Nation) Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand’semphasis going forward will be a focus on quality rather than quantity ofits rice as the country eyes a bigger share of the worldwide premium market, said Deputy Director General ofthe Rice Department Arnont Nonsi.
Speaking at the Thailand Rice Fest 2023 underway inBangkok from December 14-17, Arnont said due to limited land to furthercultivate rice in comparison to other rice exporting countries, Thailand can nolonger compete for the position of largest rice exporter.
The country will adopt‘premiumisation’ of rice products, he said, explaining that the termrefers to nutrition quality, environmentally friendly cultivation, value addedfrom innovation and technology, and farming sustainability.
In addition to a focus on rice for eating, Arnont said his departmentintends to collaborate with other related agencies from both the public andprivate sectors to add more value and improve Thai rice for use in productssuch as cosmetics, beverages, and fragrances.
To shore up the overseas market, quality rice will be labelled with anapproved sign from the department. As well, the department must persuade farmers to grow quality rice in a superior and sustainablemanner, he added./.
