Bangkok: Khon Kaen University (KKU) has unveiled a groundbreaking study on "sustainable rice," highlighting its potential to enhance farmer income, reduce costs, and decrease pollution, while urging government support to expand planting areas for the international market.
According to Thai News Agency, KKU's Faculty of Economics recently convened a meeting to discuss the project 'Expanding the Utilization of Appropriate Technology and Related Innovations for Sustainable Rice Production at the Provincial Level, through the Development of the Khon Kaen Sustainable Rice Model to Increase Farmers' Income and Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Khon Kaen Province.' The event, held at the Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre, was attended by Ms. Pawadee Jai-uea, Director of the Office of Technology Utilization and Business Development at the Agricultural Research Development Agency, and Ms. Chaninthon Hrimcharoen, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Trade, Ministry of Commerce. Associate Professor Phumisith Mahasuveerachai, the project leader, welcomed participants to discuss the project's significant findings.
Associate Professor Phumisit Mahasuveerachai, who leads the project, explained that the study received funding from the Agricultural Research Development Agency. The concept of sustainable rice production adheres to the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) standards, a collaborative effort between the United Nations, the International Rice Research Institute, and member countries. These standards aim to rectify harmful rice farming practices and environmental issues such as methane emissions from waterlogged paddy fields and stubble burning. The SRP approach offers economic, social, and environmental benefits, including higher yields, cost reductions, improved labor practices, enhanced farmer safety, and increased biodiversity.
The 'Khon Kaen Sustainable Rice Model' targets expansion in 2025 across 73 villages in Khon Kaen province, reaching 952 households with 105 model farmers across a total area of 13,150 rai. The study reports that SRP Jasmine rice yields an average of 313 kg/rai, exceeding the 292 kg/rai yield of Conventional Rice Practice (CRP) rice. The SRP cultivation cost is also lower at 10.57 baht/kg compared to 11.58 baht/kg for CRP Jasmine rice. Similarly, SRP glutinous rice yields and costs are more favorable than those using the CRP method.
Research indicates that Jasmine rice grown with SRP methods generates 500-700 baht more profit per rai than traditional farming, while glutinous rice profits increase by 800-1,000 baht per rai. Notably, SRP reduces pollutant emissions by up to 70% and triples the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional practices by 2025. The project's expansion plan from 2026-2028 aims to increase the cultivated area and the number of involved farmers significantly, with projected sales volume rising to 73,000 tons by the third year.
Assoc. Prof. Phumsit emphasized that the SRP-certified land allows for international rice exports, noting the growing demand in markets such as the EU and the US. The Thai Rice Exporters Association reported a significant increase in interest, with one EU importer seeking to switch its 18,000-ton rice import entirely to SRP rice. This underscores the SRP rice market's potential and the need for broader cultivation support.
To encourage a shift from traditional to sustainable rice farming, Assoc. Prof. Phumsit suggests leveraging model farmers as examples and providing government incentives, such as loan support and tax breaks, to inspire farmer participation. Collaboration with educational institutions and the private sector is also deemed essential for promoting SRP cultivation. Reallocating the substantial funds spent annually on rice farming towards sustainable practices could drive meaningful change.