BANGKOK — SIMA ASEAN Thailand 2017 has organised many local and international event preludes, gathering farmers and trade professionals to discuss the challenges and opportunities in agriculture.

The trade show will present great opportunities for the agriculture sector to enter the ‘Thailand 4.0’ era.

Scheduled to take place from September 7 to September 9, 2017, at Halls 5-6, IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre and IMPACT Lakeside Muang Thong Thani, SIMA ASEAN Thailand 2017 is the most established international trade show for agricultural and food-processing suppliers in ASEAN.

Key industry players gathered on May 25 at a forum in Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry to discuss how to boost rice export quality from Myanmar.

Speaking at the forum, entitled ’Advanced farming technology for sustainable development in ASEAN’, U Aung Myint, member of Myanmar Rice Federation, said “The demand by consumers for better quality rice has increased and Myanmar is trying to become a major rice exporter. This has led to much pressure on producers and processors to produce better quality rice.”

Sarit Yongsiri, Thai Rice Mills Association, said “There are three main requirements to produce good quality milled rice — good quality raw material: The starting quality of the paddy should be good, with the right moisture at around 14 per cent; state of the art equipment: The rice mill should be clean and well maintained; and operation skills: The mill should be operated by skilled operators. If any of these requirements are not met, milling will result in poor quality rice.”

Ajjima Roysri, Project Manager, IMPACT, said “SIMA ASEAN 2017 is ready to host 5,000 farmers across Thailand to experience the Outdoor Demonstration Area, which includes three main crops — cassava, rice and sugarcane. This gives the visitors the opportunity to see the leading brands live in action, and feel the agriculture machinery on real terrain.”

The SIMA ASEAN 2017 has received tremendous support from leading industry associations, cementing its position as one of the most effective business platform for the industry. Visitors can experience the latest agricultural innovation and technology from local and international sources. — VNS