Mr. Chaisak Wuttisak, Director of the Office of Agricultural Economics Region 5, Nakhon Ratchasima (OAE5), Office of Agricultural Economics (OAE), revealed that amid the growing trend towards healthy and sustainable food consumption, the Ban Sawai So Organic Rice Community Enterprise in Buriram Province has been recognized as a successful model for integrated organic farming. This community has collaborated to drive the production of quality organic rice and develop a brand that connects with the community's identity and abundant natural resources, which are home to the Thai crane species. This has become a business model that integrates economic, social, and environmental dimensions in a sustainable manner.

OAE5 has studied the development of organic agriculture for tourism in 2025 by visiting the Ban Sawai So Organic Rice Community Enterprise. Buriram Province, which has been operating since 2014, has a total of 419 rai of organic rice growing area. 40 farmers have been certified under the Organic Thailand standard. They grow several organic rice varieties, including Khao Dok Mali 105, Mali Nil Surin, Mali Nil (Tubtim Chumphae), and Hom Mali Daeng (Komen). A distinctive feature of this area is its rigorous application of sustainable agriculture concepts in the production process, including the use of compost and soil-enriching plants, as well as the use of biological pesticides in place of chemicals, creating a safe and environmentally friendly agricultural system.

Organic rice production situation for the 2025/26 crop year: Farmers cultivate once a year, beginning in June and harvesting in November. Total production is approximately 146 tons per year, divided into 88% Khao Dok Mali 105 rice, 8% Surin Mali Nil rice, 2% Mali Nil rice (Tubtim Chum Phae), and 2% Red Hom Mali (Komen). The price of organic Hom Mali 105 paddy, with a moisture content not exceeding 15%, is approximately 2,500-3,500 baht per ton higher than the price of conventional Hom Mali 105 paddy, with a moisture content not exceeding 15%. The overall market situation indicates that 80% of the Khao Dok Mali 105 rice yield is processed at the community rice mill, with the remaining 20% ??kept for consumption and seed production. For Surin Mali Nil rice, Chum Phae Mali Nil rice, and Red Hom Mali (Komen), 80% is processed at the community rice mill, with 20% kept for consumption and seed production.

The group has expanded its rice production by processing it into products. Under the brand name "SARUS RICE", the group aims to add value and promote the community's economy. The group vacuum-seales 1 kilogram of these products: brown rice (80 baht), jasmine rice (70 baht/kg), tri-color rice (80 baht), and powdered rice milk (150 baht/300-gram jar). These products cater to the health-conscious modern consumer. Sixty percent of the products are sold to markets in Buriram Province, such as hotels and restaurants, while 30 percent are distributed to provincial markets. The remaining 10 percent is distributed online through Thailand Postmart and the Facebook pages "Khao Hom Nok Rian" and "Baan Sawai So & Theing Na Chef's Table." All processed products are certified by Organic Thailand and PGS standards, establishing credibility, adding economic value, and reflecting the group's commitment to health and safety. Organic rice processing generates approximately 5,300,000 baht per year in revenue for the group.

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