The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, through the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), has reaffirmed that Hom Siam rice is a safe, naturally bred aromatic rice variety that meets scientific and regulatory standards. Amid public concerns regarding market acceptance and product authenticity, NSTDA clarified that Hom Siam rice is not a replacement for Jasmine rice but an additional premium option developed through natural crossbreeding. The variety was officially registered with the Department of Agriculture in 2022 and is now in the final approval stages of certification by the Rice Department.
Hom Siam rice has been under development since 2010, created through natural hybridization between drought-tolerant and disease-resistant parent lines. Using DNA marker-assisted selection, the breeding process ensures precision without genetic modification. Field trials across northern and northeastern Thailand show consistently strong performance, with yields ranging from 530 kilograms per rai and reaching over 800 kilograms per rai in recent expansions. The rice features soft texture, strong aroma, sturdy stems, lodging resistance, and adaptability to low-water conditions.
NSTDA emphasizes that Hom Siam rice aligns with long-term national strategies to strengthen agricultural resilience, improve food security, and enhance Thailand’s competitiveness in global rice markets. With support from agricultural and commercial agencies, the variety is expected to become a high-potential option for farmers and a new product category for premium rice markets worldwide.