Latest research aims to strengthen Thai reputation as world rice leader
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on Wednesday presided over the opening ceremony of the Fifth National Rice Academic Conference 2018 which was held in Bangkok under the banner of “Thai Rice Research Moves Towards Thailand 4.0”.
Nine agencies involved in studying rice collaborated on the conference themes focused on strengthening the rice sector in Thailand, by improving productivity and processing from upstream to downstream to add value to the nation’s foremost crop and its position as the world’s foremost rice trader.
Presenters from government and private agencies discussed their research and shared new knowledge, joined by specialists in local communities throughout the Kingdom, said Agriculture Minister Krisada Boonraj.
The Agricultural Research Development Agency (ARDA) was this year’s major conference host, and its director, Phanpimol Chanyanuwat explained the agricultural research funding agency’s role, in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives – improving the quality of life of farmers, especially Thai rice farmers, through earning a stable income.
The agency was ready to work with research agencies, and other agencies, to create knowledge, enhance Thai rice competitiveness through technology and innovation, while also helping Thai farmers reduce production cost, and ensure quality production, she added.
Thai farmers should not only be able to sell their paddy rice or milled rice, but also process rice into other high value-added products and create more effective distribution channels for farmers, Phanpimol said.
Farmers should be able to grow rice without destroying the environment, so that producers and consumers have high quality lives, while also helping Thailand maintain its position as the world’s major exporter of sustainably harvested rice, she added.
The May 23-24 conference also featured two major exhibitions at a hotel in the government complex, in Chaengwattana, Bangkok. The first exhibition honoured the Royal Institute to commemorate the resolutions of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, and Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
The second exhibition featured the nine allied agencies under the major theme of presenting research and innovation on rice. It highlighted research that was consistent with goals of national development.
