Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property has granted Geographical Indication (GI) status to ‘Yasothon Sweet Watermelon’, citing its distinctive sweetness and crisp texture from Chi River plain growing areas, with an estimated economic value of 48 million baht.

Thai exports of farm produce and agricultural products in the first five months rose over 28 per cent to more than 469 billion baht, the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry reported on Friday.