Bangkok develops high-yield variety

In the wake of many countries facing rice shortfalls for basic consumption, world's top rice exporter Thailand has announced the development of a new hybrid rice strain with a potential of producing yields 20 per cent more than other varieties, officials have said.

Prasert Kosalwit, director-general of Thailand's rice department, said the Pathum Thani Rice Research centre had successfully invented a new hybrid rice, which could produce yield 20 per cent more than other rice species and was designated the PTT06001H.

"It has good quality," he said, adding,"when it is cooked, it has a fragrant aroma."

Meanwhile, Supaporn Junbuathong, an agricultural expert at the rice centre, said the PTT06001H hybrid rice could produce yield at an average of 962 kg per rai, or 20 per cent more than two other varieties most popular among local consumers.