Kay noi rice variety awaits GI certification to boost value
Kay noi rice variety awaits GI certification to boost value
The government is formulating regulations to certify the kay noi rice variety as a Geographical Indicator (GI) for the local value chain.
With high demand on the domestic market and in neighbouring countries, the kay noi rice variety product needs to keep its original high quality according to the provincial agriculture authorities.
This requirement was proposed by the provincial authorities many years ago but it still needs the government's approval, according to Mr Khamboua Keovilay, a provincial agriculture technical staffer.
“This rice variety has different characteristics compared with other varieties due to its good smell and soft texture, and it's especially planted in areas of Xieng Khuang and Huaphan provinces,” the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute Director, Dr Bounthong Bouahom told Vientiane Times.
The institute cannot provide an answer as to when the government will complete the regulations for approval of this variety to be designated as a Geographical Indicator.
Its price is currently higher than general sticky rice by about 500-1,000 kip per kg, and that should be even higher for producers after the government approves the variety to become a national GI brand for trading.
Xieng Khuang province has over 20,000 hectares of land under rice cultivation, of which about 50 percent is dedicated to kay noi rice; which yields some 45,000-50,000 tonnes each year, according to provincial agriculture officials.
Each year the province officially exports around 5,000-8,000 tonnes of rice to Vietnam and some is exported to China as well as to other provinces of Laos including Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Luang Namtha, and Vientiane.
Most farmers who grow kay noi live in Paek, Khoun, Phoukoud and Phaxay districts, as these areas have a suitable cooler climate for the crops to thrive.
However, the province welcomes to support of the private sector to invest in packing systems to increase the value of the product for domestic trading and export.
Meanwhile, Huaphan province has over 6,000 hectares of the kay noi rice variety, which represents 50 percent of the provincial rice cultivation, a provincial agriculture official reported.
“Most farmers who grow this crop are in Xamneua and Viengxay districts,” said Mr Mayph ieng Madachit, a provincial agriculture official.
“Each year, the province encourages farmers to produce this variety to reach almost 30,000 tonnes, of which 400-600 tonnes is officially exported to Vietnam where authorities require it during New Year celebrations,” he added.
vientiane times
