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Thailand has opened a genetic testing center to improve its rice after
the Hom Mali (Jasmine) grain was knocked out by Cambodian rice varieties at the
World Rice Conference last month.
Thailand has opened a genetic testing center to improve its
rice after Hom Mali (jasmine) grain was dethroned by a Cambodian rice variety
at the World Rice Conference last month.
Ronnarong Phoolpipat, chief of the Department of Foreign
Trade (DFT) under Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce, said that the center at Upon
Ratchathani Rice Research Centre will boost Thailand’s export competitiveness
in line with the country’s rice development plan between 2020 and 2024.
The DNA testing service will help rice farmers, millers and
traders ensure the authenticity of their products via rapid genetic tests at
low cost.
The service aims to strengthen the international reputation of Thai rice and create an advantage amid fierce competition, he said.
Thai Hom Mali rice (Jasmine Rice) is native to Thailand and
considered the pride of the nation. It was recognized with the World’s Best
Rice Award 2021 for a second consecutive year. The “Jasmine” name comes from
the color of its grain which is white as the jasmine flower.
From January to October 2022, Hom Mali rice exports reached
1.28 million tonnes, up 27% over the same period last year.
According to DFT, Thailand is likely to meet its export
target of 7.5 million tonnes of rice this year and may even exceed the target of
8.58 million tonnes.
Ronnarong said that Iraq imported 1.3 million tonnes of Thai
rice in the first 10 months of this year, helping the country's rice exports
increase by 500% over the same period last year.
Thailand’s rice exports to two key markets - the US and the
Philippines - increased by 25% and 44% respectively.
Source:
Online/KSU
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