Thailand's ARDA and Mahidol University Develop Tea from Rice Seedlings in Roi Et

Key summary

The Thai government has praised a new agricultural model developed by the Agricultural Research Development Agency (ARDA) in partnership with Mahidol University. The project transforms young leaves of fragrant rice variety 105, grown in Roi Et province's 'Thung Kula Rong Hai' region, into tea and powdered tea for various food and beverage applications. The technology allows for harvesting young leaves approximately every 28 days, enabling up to three harvests per production cycle. A pilot program involving over 350 farmers across five districts in Roi Et has reported yield increases of more than 80% and potential additional income of 1,500-2,000 baht per rai for participating farmers.