- Project Leader : Miyata Toshiyuki (Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Graduate School of Global Studies)
- Collaborators : Pannee Bualek (Chandrakasem Rajabhat University, Research and Development Institute)
- : Supunnee Pladsrichuay (Chandrakasem Rajabhat University, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences)
- : Kobayashi Satoru (Kyoto University, Center for Southeast Asian Studies)
Outline of Research
New developments in the rice economy of mainland Southeast Asia are examined by focusing on the cultivation and commercialization of Japonica rice and fragrant Jasmine rice in Thailand and Vietnam. Cultivation and trade of these varieties at higher market prices is an expanding trend, reflecting a shift from quantity to quality in rice cultivation. The research will analyze the roles of major actors, including farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and rice millers, in the dynamic process of cultivation and commercialization of Japonica rice in Central Thailand and in An Giang Province in Vietnam and of fragrant Jasmine rice in Roiet Province of Northeast Thailand.
Description
The cultivation and trade of Japonica rice and fragrant Jasmine rice at high prices is expanding more than ever in mainland Southeast Asia, reflecting a shift from quantity to quality in rice cultivation. This research examines the cultivation and commercialization of these rice varieties in Central and Northeast Thailand and Southern Vietnam, focusing on the process of the procurement of seed rice, cultivation, milling, and distribution.
Demand for Japonica rice and fragrant Jasmine rice both within and beyond mainland Southeast Asia has increased due to income improvements in Asian emerging countries and developed countries. The rice economy of mainland Southeast Asia is gradually shifting to include not only cultivation of high yielding varieties traded at low prices, but also cultivation of lower yielding varieties traded at high prices. The shift from quantity to quality is well under way. Although a large number of studies have been made on the rice economy of mainland Southeast Asia, little attention has been given to this emerging trend. This empirical research therefore has a significant meaning for clarifying the dynamic changes underway in the rice economy of mainland Southeast Asia.
The research is expected to contribute a better understanding of the changes to farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and rice millers brought about by recent shifts in the rice economy of mainland Southeast Asia. The research will identify positive aspects as well as the risks and problems to conversions to new rice varieties. Moreover, this project greatly contributes to strengthening the international research network between Japan and mainland Southeast Asia, especially Thailand and Vietnam, in order to continue to comprehensively study dynamic developments in the rice economy of mainland Southeast Asia.
 Paddy field of Jasmine rice in Northeast Thailand (Thai/Roiet Province) |
 Branding and commercialization of Jasmine rice in Northeast Thailand (Thai/Roiet Province) |