Concept of Utilization of Biotechnology to Add Value to Cane and Sugar Industry and Its Downstream Industries

Abstract

Cane and sugar industry of Thailand is facing tremendous changes in both international trading conditions and the problems on depressed agricultural prices.  Besides increasing yield and reducing production cost of field canes, it is very important that the country must add value to the cane and sugar industry and its downstream industries. This article describes the concept of utilization of biotechnology to add value to cane and sugar industry and its downstream industries. This involves with bio-based process as a foundation and changes of the former production structure that has been driven by increasing production efficiency of agricultural and industrial sectors to the technology and innovation-driven economy that will change raw sugar or refined sugar to innovative and creative products.