Thailand is in AEZ 2, characterized as warm subhumid tropics. Importance of rice Rice is the most important crop of the country. Even though declining in relative importance, it still occupies over half of the total cultivated land. Rice farmers are generally subsistence farmers, selling only their excess production. The main surplus production is from the central region.
Rice is the staple food of the entire population regardless of income.
The average annual per capita consumption is about 128 kg of milled rice. It has a reputation for high quality, long-grain, white rice, which usually commands a substantial price advantage over lower grades. The emphasis on grain quality is the main reason for the low adoption rate of modern, high-yielding rice varieties in Thailand. In response to the export opportunities as well as the increasing domestic requirement, riceland has increased steadily over time. Only recently has it begun to stabilize at around 10 million ha.