The Ministry of Agriculture has stressed its policy to enhance the potential of “large rice fields” and community rice centers, linking them with the efforts to upgrade Thai rice production in order to develop Thailand as the “Kitchen of the World.”

Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Narumon Pinyosinwat has assigned the Department of Rice to encourage farmers to use rice seeds of high quality, as well as technology and innovation, to ensure quality and safety in rice production.

The Government aims to elevate traditional agricultural practices into modern agriculture, under the principles of “market-led, innovation-driven, and income-growth.” Agricultural technologies (agri-tech), such as precision agriculture and food technology, will be used to develop the agricultural, fisheries, livestock, and associated occupations for food security.

Moreover, the “Thailand: Kitchen of the World” policy, which showcases a prominent asset of Thailand, will be revived to address global food security needs. The Government will also increase the value of agricultural products and raise income for farmers.

Rice is one of Thailand’s major cash crops. In 2023, Thailand exported 8.77 million tons of rice, worth 178 billion baht. The volume exceeded the target, which had been set at eight million tons.

The Department of Rice is planning to adjust rice production to cope with high competition in the world market, especially in terms of quality. Emphasis will also be placed on rice processing to add value to Thai rice products and make them better known in the international community.