Signing of MoU on research cooperation between Rice Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and Chia Tai Company Ltd.

On Tuesday 25 July 2023, the Rice Department, represented by Mr. Natthakit Khongthip, Director-General, and Chia Tai Company Limited, represented by Mr. Manas Chiaravanond, Chief Executive Officer, joined hands in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on Research and Development of Rice Production Innovation. The primary objectives of this MoU are to foster cooperation in research and development of innovative practices in modern rice production, along with conducting joint research and development initiatives to enhance smart rice production methods and ultimately boost the potential of the rice production system. Furthermore, this agreement aims to support the adoption of high-efficiency agricultural technologies and innovations to optimize the rice cultivation process. Through this MoU, both parties aspire to facilitate the integration of research findings into practical applications, further contributing to the sustainable development of Thai agriculture. This MoU Signing Ceremony was held at Ruang Khao Hall, located on the 2nd floor Rice Department Building.

Mr. Natthakit Khongthip, Director-General of the Rice Department, said, ″By signing this MoU with Chia Tai Company Limited, we are nurturing a significant academic collaboration between the government and the private sector with an aim to exchange knowledge in the realm of modern rice production innovation. Main areas of academic exchange encompass a wide array of topics, including but not limited to plant protection products, biological control agents, state-of-the-art agricultural drone utilization techniques, and the implementation of prototype farm for smart rice production. In addition, both parties join forces to share information on research data and fundamental rice production practices, further leading to the dissemination of research findings and technologies that emerge from this partnership. All in all, this alliance holds the potential for widespread implementation, paving the way for encouraging farmers to produce high-quality rice in alignment with market demands.″

Mr. Manas Chiaravanond, Chief Executive Officer of Chia Tai Company Limited, explained, ″Chia Tai and the Rice Department share a common mission, which is to elevate the Thai agricultural industry. Through this collaboration, we are committed to advancing Thailand’s rice cultivation potential by fostering research and development in rice production innovation. Chia Tai is fully prepared to contribute our knowledge and expertise in agricultural technologies and innovations to boost Precision Agriculture through leading-edge agricultural drones, development of Smart Fertigation, Machine Supervision, and Farm Management Platform that enables Yield Analysis. All these technologies and innovations help boost the quantity and quality of agricultural produce, while promoting efficient resource management, thereby optimizing the use of water, fertilizers, and labor. This bilateral effort is made in a bid to drive the potential of rice farmers, increase their competitiveness, ensure food security, and ultimately enhance people’s quality of life on a sustainable basis in accordance with Chia Tai’s commitment.″