Thai government promotes glutinous rice production, exports

BANGKOK, March 16 (TNA) - The Thai government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, promotes the production and exports of rice for specific markets, namely glutinous rice, as part of national preparations for the formation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by the end of this year. While presiding over a ceremony to celebrate the 9th anniversary of the establishment of the Rice Department, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, held in Bangkok on Monday, Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Amnuay Patise spoke of the policy, citing as examples that the promotion of rice production and exports for the health market and glutinous rice production and exports for, initially, AEC. Amnuay suggested that the Rice Department help support specific rice strains, develop local production techniques to ensure quality Thai grains to be linked with market demand and promote the production of processed rice for its added-value. According to the deputy minister, his ministry will first promote more production of glutinous rice to serve high demand on the domestic market, AEC and even other overseas markets due to its fragrance, softness and good taste. Presently, Thailand produces over 3 million tonnes of glutinous rice annually, mostly for domestic consumption, while 200,000-300,000 tonnes are exported. (TNA)