Bangkok: The Department of Rice is gearing up for the grand "National Rice and Farmers' Day 2026," an event celebrating 20 years of Thai rice development, innovation, and modern agriculture, aimed at fostering sustainable security for Thai farmers. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is organizing this event under the theme "United Hearts, Preserving Thai Rice: Two Decades of Progress under the Auspices of Her Majesty the Queen Mother," scheduled from June 5-7, 2026, at the Department of Rice, Kasetsart University, Bangkhen, Bangkok. The occasion will honor the benevolent contributions of the Thai monarchs and the Royal Family to the rice and farming sectors, while promoting the future advancement of Thai rice through technology, innovation, and modern agricultural practices.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Winairoj Sapsongsook, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, emphasized the importance of rice as a crucial economic crop and an integral aspect of Thai culture. The government aims to elevate Thai rice production by focusing on quality, food safety standards, and environmentally friendly practices. The Ministry is actively driving agricultural development policies, particularly for Thai rice, through safe agriculture, organic methods, smart agriculture, and value-added products. This involves leveraging modern technology to enhance production efficiency, reduce costs, and create stable incomes for farmers while developing unique Thai rice varieties to meet global demand. The overarching goal is to position Thai rice as a high-quality product in the global market and ensure long-term economic stability for Thailand.
The Ministry also emphasizes the processing of rice products to increase their value, while continually providing farmers with opportunities to learn modern agricultural knowledge and technologies. This initiative aims to improve farmers' quality of life, making them self-reliant and ensuring long-term family security.
Mr. Anont Nonthasri, Director-General of the Department of Rice, highlighted that National Rice and Farmers' Day, observed annually on June 5th, commemorates the contributions of the Thai monarchs and the Royal Family to the rice and farming sectors, and honors Thai farmers as primary food producers. This year, the Department of Rice focuses on implementing rice development policies nationwide, establishing systems to reduce costs, increase production efficiency, and secure food for Thai farmers. The event will showcase knowledge, technology, and innovations aligned with modern agricultural practices, marking a significant milestone in the Department's two-decade anniversary and its commitment to research, technology development, and improving Thai rice quality.
The Department of Rice is promoting the development of rice varieties with unique local characteristics, disease resistance, and adaptability to climate change. It encourages modern technologies in production and promotes low-carbon rice production to enhance competitiveness while protecting the environment. The event will also highlight adding value to rice and agricultural waste by processing them into various products, increasing economic opportunities for farmers and communities.
This year's event will reflect academic, technological, and cultural dimensions of Thai farming. On June 6, 2026, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will preside over the opening ceremony, viewing exhibitions and demonstrations of smart rice paddies using advanced technologies like electric tractors and drones. The event will include exhibitions honoring His Majesty the King, rice research and innovation displays, and seminars on topics such as "Transforming Thai Agriculture: Low Carbon Rice for a Sustainable Future."
Additionally, the event will feature activities like a folk song competition, a beauty pageant, a scarecrow-making contest, and concerts, along with over 35 stalls selling rice-based products. Notable products on display will include instant coffee made from purple-flowered rice, pharmaceutical products from rice powder, and rice scrubs. Admission to the event is free, with coupons available for the first 400 attendees on select days.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and the Department of Rice invite farmers, rice growers, and the public to attend the event from June 5-7, 2026, at Kasetsart University, Bangkok, to learn about modern rice production technologies and support Thai farmer products. Those unable to attend can follow the live broadcast on the Department of Rice's Facebook page throughout the event.