Strengthening Thailand’s Position as a Global Seed Production Hub
KPAGRO and Advanta Seeds celebrate a major milestone with the opening of a state-of-the-art sweet corn seed drying facility in Lopburi. This investment strengthens Thailand’s position as a global hub for tropical sweet corn seed production, supporting exports to over 34 countries while enhancing the country’s agricultural competitiveness on the international stage.
Elevating Global Seed Production Standards
Mr. Porramate Ingsuwan, CEO of KPAGRO, a leader in corn seed processing and drying, stated, “This new facility marks a significant step in establishing Thailand as a global production hub for high-quality sweet corn seeds. It is designed to meet the growing demand in both domestic and international markets, particularly in exports, which have been expanding by more than 10% annually. With over 20 years of expertise in seed drying and processing, KPAGRO is dedicated to integrating cutting-edge technology into our production process to ensure the highest seed quality while maintaining global standards. Additionally, the facility’s strategic location enables efficient access to Thailand’s key corn-growing regions, further strengthening the country’s seed industry infrastructure.”
Mr. Bhupen Dubey, Global CEO of Advanta Seeds, a leading provider of high-quality seed technology operating in over 95 countries and expanding to 100 markets worldwide, stated:
“This new facility is a significant milestone that enhances our production efficiency and strengthens our supply chain to meet the continuously growing market demand. We are committed to delivering high-quality seeds to farmers, helping them increase yields, reduce costs, and enhance the overall competitiveness of the agricultural sector. Through this collaboration, we will efficiently export sweet corn seeds to over 34 countries worldwide, supporting market expansion and driving the advancement of global agriculture.”
Strengthening a 19-Year Partnership
Mr. Dubey further highlighted the long-standing collaboration between the two companies: “The opening of this new facility not only expands our capabilities in the sweet corn seed business but also reflects the strong 19-year partnership between Advanta Seeds and KPAGRO. This collaboration has played a crucial role in developing world-class production standards and serves as a key driver in positioning Thailand as a global hub for sweet corn seed production. It will support market expansion while strengthening the agricultural industry for long-term growth.”
Advanced Technology for Superior Seed Production
The new sweet corn seed facility is located within the KPAGRO Lopburi site, spanning 100 rai (16 hectares), and is operated by KP Agro Industry (Lopburi) Co., Ltd. The facility integrates cutting-edge technology at every stage of production. Key innovations include:
- Automated ear corn intake station – enhancing efficiency and seed integrity
- Centralized heating stack drying system – ensuring uniform drying and energy efficiency
- SCADA-controlled precision monitoring – enabling real-time quality control
Growth of Thailand’s Sweet Corn Market
Thailand is one of the world’s leading sweet corn exporters. In 2023, the country exported 237,170 tons of sweet corn, valued at USD 270.6 million, with strong demand from key markets such as Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. The domestic market is also expanding, driven by increasing consumption of fresh and processed sweet corn.
Seeds produced at this facility will be exported to over 34 countries, supporting the rapidly growing global market. The Thai sweet corn seed industry is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1% between 2024 and 2034, driven by rising demand in agriculture and food processing industries.
The collaboration between Advanta Seeds and KPAGRO in launching this new facility marks a crucial milestone in enhancing Thailand’s seed industry competitiveness. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the facility will enable farmers to access high-quality seeds, boost yields, and solidify Thailand’s position as a global leader in sweet corn seed production.