His Majesty King Bhumibol Aduljadej realizes the important of rice; he has done so much to be an example and a source of knowledge to the people, dedicating himself to research and experimentation on rice production in a full circle. Examples of the projects organized at his initiatives are the Rice Bank Project, the Project in support of the research and development of rice, the Rice Growing Demonstration Project, the Project for solutions of problems causes by salty and acidic soil, the Project for solutions of problems related to deserted paddy fields and the Royal Rain Project.
H.M. the King truly realizes the importance of rice towards his subject's way of life. His perseverance in developing Thai rice as well as supporting morale and giving encouragement to all rice farmers, the backbone of Thailand, is praised throughout the kingdom and internationally.
Chitralada Villa is also the only King's residence in this world where rice field is operated within the palace compound. "The Chitralada Royal Experimental Rice Field" where His Majesty studied, experimented and developed rice species and its cultivation know-how, each year produces the auspicious rice seeds that are given to farmers from the entire kingdom, and for the use in the Royal Ploughing Ceremorny. "the Royally Selected Rice Seeds"
His benevolences in the agricultureal development are renowned all over the world. On 6th December 1985, The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations presented to His Majesty and Argricola Award together with a Citation in honour of his work in the field of agriculture development. On 5th June 1986, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the most accredited rice research organization, also conferred him with a gold medal of "THE INTERNATIONAL RICE AWARD", which has never been presented to any king or head of state.
To honour H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 83rd birthday and to show gratitude for what he has done for his subjects, Thailand Post has attached rice grains given by the King to this set of postage stamps to add value to the collection.This stamp was issued on 17 Feb. 2011.
