Deputy commerce minister seeks to expand market channels for water chestnut
Deputy Commerce Minister Weerasak Wangsuphakijkosol together with Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) officials visited Suphan Buri to observe first-hand the manufacturing and quality checking process of water chestnut, aiming to expand marketing channels of the province’s characteristic geographical indication (GI) product.
“Suphan water chestnut has been registered as a GI product since 2017,” Weerasak said. “It is a famous agricultural product with a unique sweet taste and slightly crunchy texture, produced in the province’s Muang and Si Prachan districts. Local people use water chestnut in both food and desserts. Also, Suphan water chestnut farms are outstanding as agricultural tourist attractions, which use local wisdom.”
The deputy minister found water chestnut product manufacturers managing and controlling their production process systematically.
There are 37 manufacturers who have passed the DIP’s evaluation and have been allowed to use the GI logo on the product packages.
Water chestnut manufactures have faced low prices, challenging market conditions, and tight labour.
Weerasak has ordered the DIP to solve these problems and advertise the products for wider recognition.
He is encouraging Suphan Buri manufacturers/enterprenuers to search for unique products that can qualify for GI registration in the future.