by FoodBizDaily.com staff writer Bangkok
November 05 2009 - A DNA test of Jazzmen Aromatic Rice - - the new US fragrant rice -- shows it is actually developed from a Chinese strain and is also inferior to Thai Hom Mali fragrant rice. Nevertheless, there will be an effect on the export of Thai rice.
Thai Agriculture and Cooperative Minister, Theera Wongsamut, said that the DNA test, conducted at a laboratory of the state rice research centre, found Jazzmen rice was actually a product of genetic engineering from a Chinese strain. He claimed that Jazzmen rice is inferior to Thai Hom Mali fragrant rice because when cooked, it turns out to be less aromatic than Thai Hom Mali rice (which is derived from the pandanus leaf). However, despite the good news, Thai authorities are afraid the new US rice (expected to hit the market next year), will negatively affect exports of Hom Mali rice.
Jazzmen rice was developed by Louisiana State University’s Agricultural Centre. The rice has a similar fragrance and soft-grain quality as Thai Hom Mali rice. Thus the concern that the US-developed aromatic grain could damage Thai exports when it hits supermarket shelves.
Rice Department chief, Prasert Kosanwit, urges Thai rice exporters to maintain the premium quality and uniqueness of their Hom Mali rice. They should not mix it with low quality rice to increase profits and should also prepare a new marketing and production strategy to stave off inroads by Jasmine rice.
Thailand exports about 2 million tons of Jasmine rice a year. Of that number, around 350,000 to 400,000 tons are exported to the US.
Jasmine rice exports are quoted at $1,056 (US) per ton, while normal white rice sells for $569 a ton.