Ban Um Sang Rice Community Enterprise is a grassroots agricultural initiative based in Rasi Salai District, Sisaket Province, Thailand. Founded and led by Khajornrat Surakhot, the enterprise is recognized for its contribution to Thailand’s organic rice sector, particularly through the cultivation and distribution of Thung Kula Rong Hai Thai Hom Mali rice—a premium jasmine rice variety grown under sustainable and chemical-free farming practices.
Core Business and Mission
The core mission of Ban Um Sang Rice Community Enterprise is to empower local farmers through organic agriculture, ensure food safety, protect the environment, and improve community livelihoods. The enterprise operates as a community-based cooperative, enabling smallholder farmers to transition from conventional rice farming to certified organic systems.
By focusing on quality, sustainability, and traceability, the enterprise supports local agricultural traditions while connecting with health-conscious consumers in domestic and international markets.
Product and Service Offerings
Ban Um Sang Rice Community Enterprise specializes in:
- Organic Thung Kula Rong Hai Thai Hom Mali Rice:
- Grown in the arid, mineral-rich soils of the Thung Kula Rong Hai plateau.
- Celebrated for its aromatic fragrance, long grain, soft texture, and low GI index.
- Free from synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.
Rice is offered in various retail packaging sizes and formats suitable for both local health food stores and wholesale bulk buyers. Products are also sold directly to consumers through community markets and digital platforms.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
- Geographical Indication (GI) Origin: The rice comes from the Thung Kula Rong Hai region, which is officially recognized for producing Thailand’s best Hom Mali rice.
- Certified Organic Production: The enterprise adheres to organic farming standards, using compost, natural pest repellents, and traditional knowledge.
- Farmer Cooperative Model: Supporting more than 60 local rice-growing families, enabling equitable income distribution.
- Eco-conscious Processing: Sun-drying, small-batch milling, and eco-friendly packaging methods.
The rice’s unique flavor profile and low chemical residue make it an ideal choice for export to health and organic food markets globally.
Financials and Business Scale
Operating as a rural community enterprise, Ban Um Sang manages:
- Annual production of approximately 80–120 metric tons of organic jasmine rice.
- Estimated annual revenue between THB 1.5–3 million (~USD $42,000–$85,000).
- Revenue is reinvested into capacity building, organic certification, and farmer support services.
While modest in scale, the enterprise generates significant impact by doubling farmer incomes through premium organic pricing structures.
Shipment and Export Records
- Participated in organic product showcases through support from the Thai Ministry of Commerce.
- Initial exports have been facilitated through Thai government trade channels and NGO-supported buyer linkages.
- Export-ready packaging and labeling in English and Thai with nutrition and certification details.
Key export interest has been reported from buyers in Japan, Singapore, and the EU, where organic Thai Hom Mali rice is in high demand.
Target Markets
- Organic and health food retailers in Thailand and international cities.
- Exporters and consolidators sourcing Thai GI rice.
- Online wellness platforms looking to offer traceable, clean-label rice.
- Foodservice institutions and boutique restaurants offering specialty Asian menus.
Capabilities
- Farmer network spanning multiple organic-certified plots in Sisaket Province.
- In-house storage, sorting, and vacuum-sealing capacity.
- On-site training and field monitoring teams ensuring compliance with organic practices.
- Participation in community-led seed banks, ensuring heritage seed preservation and biodiversity.
Certifications and Compliance
- Certified under Organic Thailand standards, supervised by the Department of Agriculture.
- Regular inspections by provincial agricultural officers and third-party auditors.
- Actively working towards international certification schemes including EU Organic and USDA Organic, with pilot batches already compliant.
- Complies with Thai FDA labeling and food safety regulations.
Customer Testimonials
- “This rice is fragrant and feels healthier. We’ve switched from conventional jasmine rice to this organic version.” – Thai consumer from Bangkok, via Facebook
- “As a restaurant owner, I care about quality. This is the best rice we’ve used—our clients can taste the difference.” – Boutique restaurant chef, Chiang Mai
Major Achievements
- Recognized by Sisaket Provincial Commerce Office for organic farming innovation.
- Featured in educational outreach videos and community engagement content, including:
- Engaged in farmer education programs for sustainable soil management and water conservation.
- Participant in Thailand’s OTOP (One Tambon One Product) rural entrepreneurship initiative.
Ban Um Sang Rice Community Enterprise exemplifies how community-driven agriculture, coupled with a focus on sustainability and quality, can elevate rural economies and deliver premium products to a growing global health market.
