Thailand's rice yields are much lower than those of other countries

According to an official, Thailand's average rice yields are much lower than those of other major Asian rice-producing countries.

Anon Nonsee, Deputy Director General of the Rice Department, said:

"The average rice yield per rai (0.16 hectares) in Thailand is 400 to 500 kilograms, which is much lower than the average of 1,000 kilograms per rai in Vietnam or 1,000 to 1,200 kilograms per rai in China."

Some Thai rice varieties achieve yields of 1,000 to 1,200 kilograms per rai, but when averaged with varieties such as jasmine rice, which is harvested once a year with yields of 350 to 400 kilograms per rai, the overall average yield in Thailand is lower.

Jasmine rice has unique qualities due to its fragrance and soft texture, attributed to the dry conditions found in parts of the northeast and some northern provinces.

The drier the year, the more aromatic the rice becomes, although this comes at the cost of lower yields.

To improve its value, the department believes it is necessary to develop new marketing plans, starting with classifying rice types, segmenting markets and zoning rice cultivation to align with market demands.

“Low-yielding, high-demand rices, such as colored rice, brown rice, and indigenous varieties, which account for about 5 to 10 percent of total production, are aimed at niche consumers.

They can be positioned as Hermès products, rare but precious, targeting high-end markets with strong purchasing power,” explained Mr. Anon.

Planting rice in Thailand. Photo: The Nation Thailand

Meanwhile, colored rice has become increasingly popular among Chinese consumers due to the health benefits of some unique compounds, although it is rare and expensive in international markets due to limited exports, Anon said.

As a result, Chinese tourists visiting Thailand have shown an increasing preference for eating colored rice.

The department is currently coordinating with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to establish links with restaurants and promote the use of colored rice among tourists, with the aim of improving its value and raising awareness of Thai rice.

By 2024, the Rice Department plans to cultivate seven varieties of colored rice, known as "rainbow rice," with shades such as deep purple, light purple, white, light green, and dark green.

In Chiang Rai province, these rice fields will be arranged in the shape of a unique cat, while in Phayao province, the rice fields will form a dinosaur and "Nong Mutjai," a mascot peacock.

These sites will be equipped with observation towers and walkways, making them remarkable landmarks.

Additionally, research indicates that the leaves of different varieties of colored rice are rich in protein and can be dried and sold for 50 baht per kilogram.

Rice farmers in Thailand. Photo: UNDP

From one rai of land, 2,000 kilograms of fresh leaves and 1,000 kilograms after drying can be harvested, which generates an additional income of around 40,000 baht (1,111 euros) per rai for farmers.

The extracted protein can be used in diet foods and herbal products.

In addition, colored rice can be processed into hydrolyzed protein, valued at as much as 100,000 baht (2,778 euros) per kilogram, which has attracted keen interest from China and Japan.

Rice cultivation should not be solely aimed at producing rice for consumption, the ministry said.

Some high-protein colored rice varieties can be grown by adding specific microorganisms, harvesting before the rice grains mature, and then bundling and selling the stalks directly as animal feed.

This process takes about four months and achieves higher prices than rice grown for consumption.

The department encourages this practice in Mukdahan province, where it can be practiced twice a year.

However, current production does not meet market demand.

These departmental initiatives aim to help farmers escape the situation where they are among the lowest income earners in the country.

By adopting these new practices and aligning their goals with market demands, farmers can explore various income-generating opportunities, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.

See also:

Thai rice in trouble due to rising baht and India

Thai rice exports to jump 25% in first half of 2024

Source: The Nation Thailand