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June 13, 2025

Khon Kaen University and SRP Collaborate to Scale Sustainable Rice in Thailand 

Thai Rice for Life delivers tangible results for farmers, communities, and climate resilience

Bangkok, Thailand – The Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) and Economy and Environment Partnership for Lower Mekong Sub-Region (EEI-LMS) Research Center, Khon Kaen University have partnered under the Thai Rice for Life initiative to bring sustainable rice farming to life—literally and figuratively. With funding and technical support from SRP, this pioneering project is not only changing how rice is grown in Thailand, but also how it contributes to environmental stewardship, rural livelihoods, and public health. 

Launched in 2024, the project was implemented across 37 villages in Phra Yuen district, involving 249 farming households cultivating over 240 hectares of rice farmland. What began as a local pilot has quickly evolved into a blueprint for impact—with results that are both measurable and meaningful. 

🌾 Transformative Results in 2024 

The Thai Rice for Life project demonstrates how applying the SRP Standard for Sustainable Rice Cultivation can drive real-world change. In just one year, farmers transitioning to sustainable practices experienced: 

• ✅ Over 30% higher yields, thanks to improved water, seed, and nutrient management 
• ✅ 30% lower production costs, from smarter use of inputs 
• ✅ Increased net income of 1,700 THB per rai (~USD 325 per hectare) 
• ✅ Zero rice straw burning, eliminating smoke and reducing local air pollution 
• ✅ Reduction of 4.5 tCO₂e per hectare in greenhouse gas emissions 
• ✅ Public health cost savings of 974 THB per rai per year 

The rice grown sustainably by project farmers under the SRP framework was purchased by NAKHONLUANG Thailand, supporting both the environment and local livelihoods.

These are not abstract numbers—they represent cleaner skies, healthier communities, and more resilient incomes for Thai rice farmers. 

One of the most visible impacts was the elimination of open burning of rice straw and stubble across all project plots. This not only curbed emissions, but also helped mitigate respiratory illness and environmental degradation—turning harmful practices into climate-smart solutions. 

🔄 A Farmer-First Approach: Six Steps to Sustainability 

The project followed a six-step methodology developed in collaboration with local authorities and agricultural experts: 

1. Select areas ready for transformation 

2. Recruit and engage farmers through local networks 

3. Train local farmer leaders (Nodes) as trusted peer guides 

4. Deliver hands-on training in three modules aligned with cropping cycles 

5. Monitor progress and gather data, including GHG, soil, and income tracking 

6. Link farmers with buyers, ensuring access to sustainable markets 

This step-by-step journey created not only better harvests—but stronger communities committed to long-term sustainability. 

🌍 Scaling Up for National and Global Impact 

Building on early success, Thai Rice for Life is scaling significantly. By 2028, the initiative is projected to reach: 

• 40,000 farmers 

• 56,000 hectares under sustainable cultivation 

• 73,000 tons of rice sold, with 60% verified sustainable 

Thai rice grown under the SRP Standard is gaining visibility in international markets, including the EU, USA, and China—strengthening Thailand’s leadership in sustainable agriculture. 

🤝 Sustainability in Action 

The Thai Rice for Life project proves that when farmers are empowered with the right knowledge, tools, and support, they can lead the way in solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges—from climate change and food security to rural poverty and environmental degradation. 

And this is just the beginning. 

As the project expands across Thailand and into global supply chains, it serves as a replicable model for other rice-producing countries aiming to balance productivity with responsibility.