Thailand, one of the world’s largest rice exporters, is facing a pressing challenge: managing the quality of its massive rice stocks. With approximately 18 million tons of rice in government warehouses, only 10% meets standard quality requirements, while a staggering 70% is below standard, and 20% is deemed unfit for consumption. A rice miller in Phichit province, however, has introduced a promising solution: ozone treatment.
This innovative method offers a safe, cost-effective way to restore the freshness of decaying rice, making it suitable for consumption and sale.
What Is Ozone Treatment?
Ozone treatment is a multi-step process designed to eliminate unpleasant odors and impurities from old rice, restoring its freshness without compromising safety.
- Dust and Impurity Removal:
Decaying rice is placed in large tanks and ventilated with fans to remove dust and impurities. - Ozone Drying:
The rice is moved to another tank, where it is treated with ozone by circulating oxygen. This step, lasting 20–30 minutes, effectively eliminates odors from the grains. - Final Airflow Treatment:
The treated rice is exposed to airflow to remove any residual ozone smell, leaving it fresh and ready for consumption.
Cost and Efficiency
Ozone treatment is not only effective but also economical. The process costs approximately 800–1,000 baht ($24–$30) per ton, making it a feasible solution for large-scale rice restoration projects.
A Potential Solution for Government Stocks
The Thai government could leverage ozone treatment to address the quality issues in its rice warehouses. By restoring below-standard rice to consumable quality, this method could:
- Prevent Waste: Treating rice that would otherwise go to waste.
- Boost Market Value: Enhancing the saleability of restored rice stocks.
- Support Farmers: Improving the overall perception of Thailand’s rice quality.
For the 70% of below-standard rice in storage, ozone treatment offers a practical pathway to recovery, ensuring food safety and economic efficiency.
Implications for Thailand’s Rice Industry
Adopting ozone treatment on a national scale could strengthen Thailand’s position as a global rice exporter. By restoring aging stocks to marketable quality, the government could reduce losses while meeting domestic and international demand for high-quality rice.
Conclusion
Ozone treatment represents a breakthrough in addressing Thailand’s rice quality challenges. Safe, cost-effective, and efficient, this method holds immense potential to transform millions of tons of below-standard rice into valuable, consumable stocks.
With the government exploring innovative solutions, ozone treatment could soon become a cornerstone of rice management in Thailand, benefiting farmers, consumers, and the nation’s economy alike.
