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May 05, 2026

SRP Joins Strategic Field Visit to gain insights into rice processing and strengthen collaboration across the rice sector.

Chonburi, Thailand – 28 April 2026

The Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) visited a full-day field to SIAM KUBOTA Corporation Co., Ltd. and Capital Rice Co., Ltd. on 28 April 2026, to strengthen collaboration and build closer engagement across Thailand’s rice sector. The visit provided an opportunity to exchange knowledge and gain insights into practices along the rice value chain, from farm-level activities to processing and export operations. The engagement reflects SRP’s commitment to working closely with partners across the value chain, bringing together farmers, agricultural innovators, processors, and exporters to enhance mutual understanding and support more coordinated efforts toward sustainable rice development in Thailand.

The day began at Kubota Farm, where SRP explored how the farm is implementing practical sustainability solutions designed to address environmental challenges while improving farmer livelihoods. One of the most notable innovations shown during the visit was Kubota Farm’s use of solar-powered irrigation systems, where solar energy is used to pump water directly to cultivation areas. This initiative helps reduce dependency on conventional energy sources while lowering operational costs for farmers and promoting clean energy adoption in agriculture.

Beyond crop production, Kubota Farm is also helping farmers diversify their income streams through value-added agricultural processing. The farm provides local farmers with knowledge and access to fruit drying technology, enabling them to transform fresh produce into dried products with longer shelf life and stronger market potential. This initiative supports rural livelihoods by helping farmers reduce post-harvest losses and create additional income opportunities.

From farm to market, empowering farmers to turn local produce into value-added products through the freeze-drying process.

During the visit, SRP also learned about Kubota Farm’s efforts to reduce agricultural waste through more sustainable residue management practices. Rather than burning sugarcane leaves a common practice that can contribute to air pollution, the farm shared how crop residues can be returned to the soil as an alternative approach to help maintain soil quality and encourage more sustainable farming practices.

Another notable initiative is crop rotation, which educates farmers on sustainable agricultural practices. Many farmers in Thailand rely heavily on chemical pesticides and herbicides, which can leave harmful residues in the soil and reduce long-term productivity. Through crop rotation techniques, farmers are encouraged to naturally restore soil health, reduce chemical dependency, and build more resilient farming systems.

“Kubota Farm promotes crop rotation practices to help farmers naturally improve soil health, reduce pest and disease risks, and enhance long-term farm productivity. These efforts reflect the farm’s broader commitment to sustainable agriculture by supporting more balanced ecosystem management, reducing reliance on chemical inputs, and encouraging farming systems that are more resilient and environmentally responsible.”

In the afternoon, SRP continued its field visit at Capital Rice Co., Ltd., a key company under STC Group, where the SRP team gained firsthand insight into one of Thailand’s most advanced and integrated rice processing and export operations. The group has positioned itself as a leader in Thailand’s organic agriculture sector with a strong vision to help expand the organic market and create long-term value across the food supply chain.

During the visit, SRP toured Capital Rice’s fully integrated rice processing facility, where the SRP team observed how rice moves through a seamless end-to-end system before reaching global markets. As one of Thailand’s established rice exporters, Capital Rice has built a strong international reputation for delivering high-quality Thai rice to markets around the world while maintaining reliable service standards that contribute to Thailand’s economic growth.

Visit to Capital Rice Co., Ltd., one of Thailand’s leading rice exporters, recognized for its high-quality standards, advanced processing systems, and reliable global supply capabilities.

A major highlight of the visit was learning about Capital Rice’s pioneering investment in silo storage systems, which helps maintain a stable and consistent supply of premium-quality rice while preserving product quality throughout storage and distribution. The SRP team also observed the company’s comprehensive post-harvest operations, including rice quality inspection, grading, removal of impurities and foreign materials, packaging, warehousing, and export preparation, all managed within the same operational ecosystem. The visit highlighted how large-scale processors such as Capital Rice can play a critical role in connecting sustainable agricultural production with growing global demand for responsibly sourced food products.

The field visit provided SRP with valuable insights across the rice value chain, from farming practices to rice processing and export operations, highlighting how sustainability can be advanced through collaboration at each stage. The exchange of knowledge and experiences will help inform SRP’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable practices, support farmer livelihoods, and encourage more environmentally responsible rice production.

By Thanaporn Thammawongsa