Development of a Traceability System for Niche Market Rice

Abstract

Nowadays, consumers are more concerned about food quality and food safety. Traceable system is a useful tool to follow the movement of a food product through production, processing and distribution. Many countries such as EU, USA and Japan set out regulations to enforce their agricultural product exporters providing product information for traceability throughout the entire supply chain. In Thailand, it is also important for major rice exporters to develop a mechanism and tool for mastering such enforcement in rice production. Therefore, the objective of this research is to develop a traceability system for rice production from seed production to the distribution for consumer using QR Code technology and web-based application. The process of production and marketing of RD43 was used as a model for the traceability system development which consists of 6 module systems; i.e.,1) milled rice pre-ordering system 2) management center system 3) seed control system 4) paddy production control system 5) milling control system and 6) packing control system. The system was performance tested and used by 3 training courses for Rice Department staffs and traders. Moreover, this system was used and promoted for RD43 by rice traders. Our newly developed system could provide an easy and rapid tracking system for the consumers throughout the supply chain. Moreover, it would help increasing consumer confidence and promoting Thai rice industry to reach the international standards. This system allows user to easily and quickly access via website and mobile on http://thairicetrace.ricethailand.go.th