Rice strain development and research into new farming techniques will top the National Science and Technology Development Agency's (NSTDA) agenda as it seeks to keep Thailand's rice industry competitive in the global market.
NSTDA director Thaweesak Koanantakool announced the agenda following a recent government decision to increase the national research and development budget from 10 billion to 120 billion baht annually, or from 0.2% to 1% of the GDP.
Mr Thaweesak said the increased budget would allow the NSTDA to conduct more research into rice farming techniques, including strain development and methods to reduce production costs.
The research will also cover new rice growing methods to reduce the use of chemical fertilisers, irrigation system development and logistics, he said.
The research will help improve yields and profits for farmers, and thus benefit the rice industry as a whole, he said.
"The research results will bring about a new chapter for the Thai rice industry," Mr Thaweesak said.
He was speaking ahead of Friday's national conference on rice research, jointly organised by the NSTDA and the Thai Rice Foundation under Royal Patronage. More than 600 people are expected to attend the conference.
Sumet Tantivejakul, president of the Thai Rice Foundation, said research into rice strain development is key to maintaining Thailand's position as one of the world's top rice exporters.
"Without the research, we can't succeed. But a prime concern right now is not only rice strain development, but also how to improve the living conditions of farmers. If we ignore them, rice farmers will disappear from Thailand in the future," Mr Sumet said.
The Thailand Research Fund has forecast a decline in Thai rice production due to climate change over the next century. They expect yields to fall by 10.8% between 2030-2039, and by 21.7% from current levels by 2090-2099 as a result of rising temperatures.