New Young Green Hom Mali rice touted for health benefits

The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry is promoting an emerging variety of Thai fragrant rice, Young Green Thai Hom Mali Rice 105, for public consumption, particularly among health-conscious consumers.

Noppadol Sriphun, Director of Regional Office Agricultural Economics 4, told the media that the initiative is a collaboration between the ministry’s Office of Agricultural Economics and his Khon Kaen-based office.

He said the collaboration is part of the ministry’s policy to publicize high value-added Thai agricultural products with rich nutritional benefits for domestic consumers and, eventually, for global markets.

The initiative also aims to boost and sustain the income of local rice growers, as the emerging grain — known in Thai as Khao Kheow Yok (ข้าวเขียวหยก) — is expected to become a popular choice among health-conscious consumers in the long run, the senior official said.

Young Green Thai Hom Mali Rice 105 is harvested during the milky stage, before it is fully mature. It is soft, mildly sweet, high in fiber, and rich in beneficial nutrients, including GABA, which supports brain and nervous system health, according to the Office of Agricultural Economics.