Raising the level of Thai agriculture "Young farmer" takes a new direction growing Japanese rice "Koshihikari" in Sakon Nakhon province, selling at 79 baht per kilogram, helping to create circulating income in the community
On 22 May 2026, reporters found a clever and energetic young farmer in Khmin Subdistrict, Mueang District, Sakon Nakhon, experimenting with growing a popular Japanese rice variety. "Koshihikari" on over 50 rai, highlighting premium quality rice with higher added value than typical Thai rice, preparing to sell at 79 baht per kilogram.
Phatthapon Chatchumni, also known as Jay, the landowner, revealed that the Koshihikari rice is now ready for harvest after about 120 days of cultivation. The crop is currently being sun-dried to reduce moisture to standard levels before packaging in 25-kilogram sacks, sold at 1,725 baht per sack, and also in premium packaged rice at 79 baht per kilogram.
Regarding growing Japanese rice in Thailand's climate, he admitted it is quite challenging because Koshihikari normally matures in 90 days in Japan, but in Sakon Nakhon it takes longer, about 120 days. Additionally, controlling irrigation is difficult since Japan uses a technique alternating dry and wet periods to strengthen roots and improve nutrient absorption.
This year is the first harvest with yields around 600-700 kilograms per rai, still below the 1 ton per rai target, due to some fields being muddy and uneven. Overall, the results are satisfactory, and the team closely monitors and addresses issues with pests and diseases causing discoloration in rice grains.
Besides land conditions, high temperatures during the grain-filling stage are a key factor causing shriveled grains or loss of milky rice. The farmer is intensively studying and refining care methods to enhance precision and elevate Thai-grown Japanese rice quality to international standards.
Nevertheless, this approach offers an alternative way to generate circulating income in the community and sustainably advance Thai agriculture toward the global market.