BANGKOK: Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture has announced an ambitious plan to establish 5,000 new “community rice centers” over the next two years, aiming to enhance rice production efficiency and meet growing market demands.
According to Thai News Agency, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narumon Pinyosinwat, the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, outlined the ministry’s strategic initiative to bolster the country’s rice industry through the creation of these centers. The initiative, led by the Rice Department, seeks to unite rice farmers into organized groups to produce and distribute high-quality seeds, thereby empowering local communities and strengthening farmer organizations. In 2024, the government plans to establish 4,985 centers, impacting around 150,000 farmer households and producing 200,000 tons of quality seeds. This output is expected to be cultivated over 13 million rai, yielding 12 million tons of market-ready rice.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narumon further detailed the expansion plans, noting that by 2025, an additional 2,500 centers will be established, bringing the total to 7,485 centers. This expansion will involve 224,500 farmer households and increase seed production to 374,200 tons, covering 24.95 million rai and producing 12.50 million tons of rice. By 2026, the ministry aims to set up 2,500 more centers, reaching a total of 9,985 centers, and involving 295,650 farmer households. This final phase is projected to produce 490,000 tons of quality seeds, covering 33.28 million rai and resulting in 16.64 million tons of rice.
The initiative also includes a “Volunteer Farmer” project, which aims to provide farmers with guidance on rice production and management. In 2024, the project had already engaged 147,500 volunteer farmers. Farmers interested in participating as volunteer farmers can apply at various rice research and seed centers and the National Rice Science Institute across the country.