The Thai government and the Thai Rice Department have approved a donation of US$100,000 to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to implement research in rice development
IRRI director general Robert Zeigler said, “We once again take this time to convey our deep gratitude to the Royal Thai Government for its support of IRRI and its mission.” The donation will greatly support the collaboration between IRRI and the Thai Rice Department toward achieving the goals set forth in the country's research agenda.
According to the IRRI deputy director for communication and partnerships Bruce Tolentino, Thailand is facing complex and serious challenges, and policymakers have to adjust their rice-growing methods especially in the wake of competition from India, Myanmar and Vietnam.
“Thailand must raise its farm yields, which requires rapid strengthening of the national agriculture research and development to ensure availability of technology adapted to Thailand and readily accepted by Thai farmers.”
From 1960, Thailand has been a staunch supporter of IRRI’s research initiatives, and key achievements in this partnership include deepwater rice culture and development of flood-resistant rice varieties.
