Last updated on August 27th, 2024 at 07:38 am
- Driving The News: A Nakhon Ratchasima-based cannabis company is pioneering the use of Aeroponic technology to grow high-quality cannabis for export, focusing on the European market.
- Why It Matters: This move represents a significant step for Thailandโs cannabis industry, especially in the face of domestic market challenges and regulatory uncertainties.
- What To Watch: The company’s success could set a precedent for other Thai cannabis producers aiming to compete in the high-demand global market.
NAKHON RATCHASIMA, THAILAND โ As Thailandโs cannabis industry grapples with oversupply and plummeting prices, one company in Nakhon Ratchasima is charting a new course by embracing cutting-edge Aeroponic technology to produce high-quality cannabis for export. ORIENTAL PLANTATION CO., LTD., located in the Suranaree Industrial Zone, is using this innovative cultivation method to grow cannabis in a fully controlled, closed environment, ensuring the highest product standards.
The companyโs focus on Aeroponic technologyโa system that suspends plants in the air and delivers nutrients directly to the rootsโallows for greater control over growing conditions, resulting in a more consistent and potent product. This high-quality cannabis is being exported to markets in Europe, particularly Germany, where demand for medical cannabis is strong and regulations are stringent. ORIENTAL PLANTATIONโs cannabis is selling for as much as 100,000 baht per kilogram in these markets, a stark contrast to the domestic price, which has fallen below 2,000 baht per kilogram due to oversupply.
According to APINAN SRIYAPAI, the company’s executive, this technological shift is critical for meeting the rigorous standards of international markets. โBy using Aeroponic systems, we can ensure our products meet global quality standards, which is essential for competing in the European market, especially in countries like Germany where the demand for medical cannabis is highest,โ he said.
Despite the domestic challenges, including fluctuating legal frameworks and an oversaturated market, ORIENTAL PLANTATION is positioning itself as a leader in Thailand’s emerging cannabis export industry. The company has already secured orders from Australia and Germany, with the first shipments scheduled for late August. APINAN noted that the company aims to produce at least one ton of cannabis annually to meet this growing international demand.
The success of this venture could serve as a model for other Thai cannabis producers struggling with the uncertainties of the local market. While Thailandโs cannabis industry is still in its infancy, the adoption of advanced technologies like Aeroponics may provide a path forward, enabling producers to tap into high-demand, high-value international markets.
As the global cannabis market evolves, Thailandโs ability to compete will depend on both technological innovation and the continued development of a stable regulatory environment. ORIENTAL PLANTATIONโs efforts demonstrate that with the right approach, Thai companies can play a significant role on the global stage.
Contributing Sources: Thairath.
