Kamphaeng saen: NSTDA showcases the potential of innovative rice varieties, with high yields of 2 tons per rai. Biotech, NSTDA, and Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, held “NSTDA-KU Rice Field Day 2025” to promote “innovative rice varieties with high yields of 1.5-2 tons per rai.” These varieties are short-harvesting, disease- and insect-resistant, resistant to critical environmental conditions, and environmentally friendly. Seven ready-to-use or alternative rice varieties have already been successfully developed, including Hom Siam jasmine rice, Hom Siam 2, Hom Cholasit 2, and Biotech 1. There are also Nan 59 glutinous rice, Hom Nakha glutinous rice, and Riceberry 2, a high-nutrition rice variety, to offer farmers alternatives for high-yield rice production.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Damrong Sripraram, Acting President of Kasetsart University, stated that this project is the result of a long-standing and stable academic collaboration between Kasetsart University and the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), which has collaborated on rice variety research and development for over 25 years. The collaboration utilizes Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) technology to create and improve new rice varieties with diverse characteristics, including high-yielding, disease- and insect-resistant, climate-resistant, high-nutrition, and low-carbon rice varieties that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He hopes that academics, and most importantly, farmers, will be able to apply this knowledge to tangibly and sustainably increase rice production efficiency, increase income, and reduce production costs.
Assistant Professor Dr. Chaowari Atthalung, Deputy Director of the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), NSTDA, stated that this second edition of the event aims to showcase Thailand’s technological and innovative rice breeding capabilities, addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges. This focus is particularly on the development of rice varieties with high yield potential of 1.5-2 tons per rai. These varieties have a short harvest period of only 90-100 days, reducing the risk of natural disasters and lowering production costs. Furthermore, they enable Thailand’s agricultural sector to adapt and cope sustainably with climate change through the use of science, technology, and innovation as key mechanisms to drive the country’s agricultural sector.
A key highlight was the transfer of knowledge in precision rice breeding technology and the presentation of new rice varieties with outstanding properties. Activities spanned the entire rice value chain at the demonstration rice field. High-yielding rice varieties were on display, aiming to achieve the 2-ton-per-rai yield target, as well as varieties with disease and insect resistance and resilience to critical environmental conditions. Dr. Meechai Siangliu, a BIOTEC researcher, introduced outstanding high-yielding rice varieties and rice genetics, allowing attendees to experience high-potential varieties ready for distribution. This included premium soft-textured Thai fragrant rice varieties, such as Hom Siam, Hom Siam 2, and Hom Cholasit 2. Furthermore, Biotech 1 rice varieties, which have the potential to be produced as low-carbon rice, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and are environmentally friendly, were also introduced.
In addition, there will be academic lectures by experts on “Breeding Beyond Boundaries” by Prof. Dr. Aphichat Wannawichit from Kasetsart University; “Applications of Digital AI Technology in Rice” by Dr. Teera Phattrapornnan, a researcher at NECTEC, NSTDA; and “Biological Agents for Field Management” by Dr. Alongkorn Amnuaykanchanasin, a researcher at BIOTEC, NSTDA. There will also be an exhibition of rice breeding projects, ready-to-use rice varieties, and fields showcasing over 700 rice genetic varieties. Consultations on technology transfer and technology services will also be provided.
The “NSTDA-KU Rice Field Day 2025” event is another example of integrated work between the government, universities, and manufacturing sectors, leveraging science and technology to deliver real results for the country, including increased income, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced national technological capabilities. This aligns with NSTDA’s mission of “Empowering the Nation through Science and Technology,” ensuring that all Thai research transforms lives and creates a sustainable future for the country.