Economy
Department of Internal Trade Distributes Disease-Resistant Cassava Stems in Khon Kaen
Thai authorities are distributing disease-resistant cassava stems in Khon Kaen to combat mosaic disease and support local agricultural productivity.
The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has launched an initiative in Khon Kaen province to distribute disease-resistant cassava stems, specifically the 'Itthi 1-3' varieties. According to Khaosod Online, DIT Director-General Wittayakorn Maneenetr visited the region to monitor the '2025/26 Quality Cassava Stem Support Project,' which aims to address the ongoing spread of cassava mosaic disease.
Khon Kaen is a major production hub, but it remains a high-surveillance area for mosaic disease, which can cause leaf curling and yellow mottling, potentially reducing yields by 80% to 100%. To mitigate these losses, the DIT, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and the Cassava Fund Foundation, has provided 20,300 disease-resistant stems to 29 local farmers across three districts. This effort is intended to replace infected crops and stabilize the local agricultural economy.
For residents and those interested in Thailand’s agricultural sector, this initiative highlights the government's ongoing efforts to secure the supply chain for one of the country's key export crops. While the distribution is currently underway, the long-term effectiveness of these specific varieties in fully eradicating the disease across the broader region remains to be confirmed. Travelers visiting rural areas in Khon Kaen may notice increased agricultural activity as farmers work to replace their stocks with these new, resilient stems.
