In brief :Phatthalung rice strain may grow into brand
A unique, nutritional rice strain developed by Phatthalung farmers a century ago has been approved for geographical-indication registration, which protects national intellectual property.
The sungyod strain grows only in the southern province and the Phatthalung Rice Research Centre ensures it remains pure. The Agricultural Economics Office said registration would add value and allow the rice to be developed for new commercial purposes. The office is also encouraging farmers to maintain the strain's quality to achieve higher prices.
Central fruit festival Central Food Retail is targeting sales of up to 2 million kilograms of fruit between now and June 26 at 90 Tops Super, Tops Market and Central Food Hall shops participating in its eastern fruit fair. Called "80 years of glory" the fair promotes fruit from the east of the country, including rambutan, mangosteen and durian. The eastern provinces of Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, Chon Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Rayong, Sa Kaew and Trat are among the country's biggest fruit producers.
Samui, Penang tie-up Penang in Malaysia and Koh Samui are hoping for a rise in reciprocal tourism now that a new airline is flying between the two resorts. Penang State Tourism Development and Environment Committee chairman Teng Chang Yeow said about 9,000 visitors from Koh Samui were expected to visit Penang each year. "I'm confident travel agents, hotels and tourism authorities from Penang and Koh Samui will come up with a package that will attract tourists to both destinations," he said. He welcomed Surat Thani vice governor Teerayut Auetakan and a 30-member delegation from Koh Samui at Penang International Airport yesterday. The group arrived by new "community airline" Firefly, which commenced daily direct flights from Penang to Koh Samui on April 15. Firefly managing director Eddy Leong said the airline would provide additional flights on the route if there was enough demand.
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