Dr. Sumet Tantivejkul, Chairman of the Thai Rice Foundation and Senior Advisor to the NIA, revealed that there are many issues affecting rice cultivation and farmers in Thailand, including climate change, insect infestation, and the zero-tariff agreement of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), to take effect in 2015.
Dr. Sumet suggested all related sides to apply knowledge in the fields of science, technology, and innovation to rice production in order to edge Thailand’s competitiveness and add uniqueness to Thai rice. He said the move could also lead to agricultural stability in line with the “Creative Agriculture” policy and enhance the quality of life of Thai farmers accordingly.
Currently, the Thai Rice Foundation and the NIA are jointly organizing the Rice Innovation Awards 2012 with a purpose to encourage new innovations in Thai rice production. Entries are accepted from today until June 29, 2012. The judges will make their final decision in August, and the award ceremony will take place in October. For more information, please visit www.thairice.org.
