Bangkok: The Ministry of Commerce presents awards for jasmine rice, emphasizing the continued growth of the quality rice market. The Ministry is promoting Thai Hom Mali rice, elevating farmers who preserve the unique identity of Thai rice varieties to the world stage. Chatuporn presented 21 awards for outstanding jasmine rice, and is promoting quality rice through marketing and promoting the grassroots economy.
According to Thai News Agency, the Department of Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce, held the 2024 Thailand Hom Mali Rice Contest (42nd edition) awards ceremony, presided over by Mr. Chatuporn Buruspat, Minister of Commerce, to honor farmers and agricultural institutions committed to preserving and developing the quality of Thai Hom Mali rice, ensuring it has a unique identity, good taste, and is in demand in the global market.
Mr. Jatuporn stated that rice is a key economic crop that generates both value and economic value for the country. Therefore, the Ministry of Commerce has an urgent policy in line with the “Thais Make, Thais Use, Thais Help Thais” approach, emphasizing strengthening the grassroots economy, particularly in the agricultural sector, and promoting the Ministry of Commerce as a “reliable commerce.” “We must not only produce rice, but also transform Thai rice, especially jasmine rice, into a branded product that will build sustainable trust in the global market,” said Mr. Chatuporn.
The Minister of Commerce also emphasized that the quality rice market continues to grow, both domestically and internationally, particularly with consumers prioritizing food safety and taste. This reflects the high potential of Thai Hom Mali rice. He is ready to support the cultivation of high-quality rice and develop it to connect to diverse markets, thus generating stable income for Thai farmers.
This year’s contest had farmers and farmer institutions from 22 provinces submitting 755 samples, with experts selecting 21 winners, divided into two categories. In the Farmer Institute Category, the first place was awarded to the Women’s Development Community Enterprise in Kalasin Province, while the 1st Runner-up was the Huai Tad Kha Rice Farming Community Enterprise in Udon Thani Province, and the 2nd Runner-up was the Jasmine Rice Community Enterprise 105 in Roi Et Province. In the Individual Farmer Category, the first prize went to Mr. Somchit Kaewna Nuea from Roi Et Province, the 1st runner-up was Mr. Kanha Papim from Nong Khai Province, and the 2nd runner-up was Mrs. Thongpoon Kokluecha from Kalasin Province. All winners received honorary plaques, certificates, and cash prizes worth a total of over 625,000 baht.
The event also featured an exhibition of products from the jasmine rice contest winners and a signing ceremony for a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to connect trade between rice traders and contest winners. Specially priced products were also on sale, including organic jasmine rice “Phu Langka” and “Ruea Fai” from Nakhon Phanom Province; Chang Chumphon rice from Surin Province; Na Khun Ta Narong rice from Ubon Ratchathani Province; rice from the organic rice group in Mae O Subdistrict, Chiang Rai Province; processed rice such as “Pong Pong Rice” and “Rice Bar”; jasmine rice ice cream from Chachoengsao Province; and MR. SATO beverages made from Thai rice.
In addition, there was a demonstration of academic rice quality inspection by the Thai Chamber of Commerce to create understanding of quality standards among consumers.