Maejo University and ARDA Handing over Rice Seeds “Hom Maejo No.9”, a New Rice Variety, to the Association of Rice Seed Collectors and Distributors, Ready to be Distributed to the Farmers.

Wednesday December 1st, 2021

Maejo University in cooperation with the Agricultural Research Development Agency (Public Organization) or ARDA organized a ceremony to deliver rice seeds “Hom Maejo No.9” to the Association of Rice Seed Collectors and Distributors, ready to deliver to the farmers. The ceremony was honored by Associate Professor Dr. Weerapon Thongma, President of Maejo University, who presided over the ceremony at the University Council Meeting Room, 5th Floor, Office of the University Building, Maejo University. On this occasion, Ms. Ciriklon Viwallvong, Deputy Director of the Agricultural Research Development Agency discussed the history of supporting rice breeding. Also, Mr. Nithat Charoenthammaraksa, President of the Association of Rice Seed Collectors and Distributors discussed methods of seed distribution to the farmers.

Rice seed variety “Hom Maejo 9” is the work of Assistant Professor Dr. Varaporn Sangtong and the team of rice breeders from the Unit of Excellence in Rice Breeding Research and Development, Faculty of Science, Maejo University. This variety of rice is distinguished for its physical seed quality and chemical quality, being insensitive to light. It can be planted every season as a short-growing resistant rice, yielding up to 700 kg per rai, thus creating an opportunity to compete with Vietnamese soft-ground rice.