Seed

The seed industry is considered to be an essential driving force in the modernization of Thailand’s agriculture sector and modernization is focused on greater value creation of existing agricultural commodities, where Thailand is already a world leader in production. Due to a favorable climate and fertile farmland, Thailand is currently the seed production and manufacturing base for many international seed conglomerates. In 2006, there were over 100 local and foreign seed companies in operation, employing more than 28,000 families and contributing over US$420 million (not including local demand of over US$300 million) to the Thai economy.

To move the seed industry to the next level, the strategic plan for the development of the industry will focus on cucumber, chili, tomato and corn. This is because of Thailand’s existing advantages in these areas due to its access to germplasm, its access to variety improvement technologies, its production capability, its sizeable local market base and even larger export market base, as well as advancements in biotechnology research and development.