This exciting interview beautifully showcases the connection and synergy between Hi-Rice AG and Swissmarmot AG. The interview took place on July 26th at the Hi-Rice premises in Sihlbrugg.
Salome Higgins: Good day, Mr. Blatter. It’s a pleasure to speak with you today. Could you tell us a bit about the Hi-Rice project and what makes it so unique?
Michael Blatter: Good day, Ms. Higgins. Thank you for having me. The Hi-Rice project is truly a revolution in rice cultivation! Our method uses only a fraction of the water compared to traditional methods and allows up to four harvests per year on the same land. This is not only resource-efficient but also significantly increases productivity. We are thrilled about the possibilities Hi-Rice offers and believe it can transform agriculture worldwide.
Salome Higgins: That sounds impressive. What role does Swissmarmot AG play in this project?
Michael Blatter: Swissmarmot AG is an incredibly valuable partner for us. Their support – both financially and through their expertise in sustainable projects – has enabled us to establish the largest Zero-Rice cultivation area in Buri Ram, Thailand. This collaboration demonstrates the power of partnerships. Together, we achieve things that were previously unimaginable!
Salome Higgins: You recently acquired an additional 10 hectares of land in Buri Ram. How does this impact your project?
Michael Blatter: Absolutely fantastic! The additional 10 hectares are a huge step forward for us. It shows that our project is growing rapidly, and the support from the local community is overwhelming. This expansion allows us to produce even more high-quality rice and sustainably strengthen the local economy. It’s incredibly exciting to see how quickly we are progressing.
Salome Higgins: How do the local farmers benefit from your project?
Michael Blatter: The benefits for the local farmers are enormous! They receive fair wages and don’t have to worry about selling their products. Our method reduces the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to practically zero, which benefits both the environment and the health of the farmers. Additionally, they can produce their own natural fertilizer, enhancing their independence from expensive external suppliers. It’s wonderful to see how positively our work impacts the lives of the farmers.
Salome Higgins: What are the next steps for Hi-Rice and Swissmarmot AG?
Michael Blatter: The next steps are incredibly exciting! We are working on a fully computer-controlled irrigation system in collaboration with ETH Zurich and various startups. This system will further optimize water and nutrient supply. We are also planning a revolutionary project in Oman, which will be significant for Dubai and Saudi Arabia as well. These projects benefit from perfect climatic conditions and abundant sunlight, enabling the use of solar energy. The future looks absolutely bright!
Salome Higgins: Your method also has critics who claim that farmers’ dependence on your patented seeds could be problematic. How do you respond to that?
Michael Blatter: We understand these concerns and take them seriously. However, our patented seeds are crucial to ensure the quality and efficiency of our method. It’s important for farmers to follow our guidelines to achieve the best results. We provide extensive training and support to ensure farmers can work successfully and independently. Our goal is for everyone involved to benefit from our innovative approach.
Salome Higgins: Another point of criticism is the strict control and monitoring of your method. How do you ensure this does not become a problem for the farmers?
Michael Blatter: Strict control is indeed an integral part of our method to ensure the highest quality and efficiency. But we make sure that these controls do not overly burden the farmers. Our teams on the ground work closely with the farmers, providing continuous support and training. This creates a win-win situation where both the farmers and the project benefit. It’s truly a harmonious collaboration.
Salome Higgins: You have also developed “sugar-free” rice. What is that about?
Michael Blatter: The “sugar-free” rice is one of our most exciting innovations! It’s perfect for diabetics and health-conscious people as it doesn’t affect blood sugar levels. Products like rice cakes, rice crackers, and rice bread made from this rice could become popular and healthy alternatives to traditional rice products. We are incredibly proud of this development and believe it can make a big difference for many people.
Salome Higgins: There are reports of problems in the Po Valley. Can you tell us more about that and how Hi-Rice addresses these challenges?
Michael Blatter: The challenges in the Po Valley are significant, but we are confident that Hi-Rice can provide a solution! Our method requires significantly less water and improves soil health through the use of natural fertilizers. We are already in discussions with local authorities and farmers to start pilot projects. The possibilities are enormous, and we are ready to tackle these challenges.
Salome Higgins: Do you think it’s realistic to produce 200 to 300 tons of rice in the next three years?
Michael Blatter: Not only is that realistic, it’s downright exciting! With our current expansion plans and the strong support of our partners, we could produce even 500 to 600 tons of rice in the next three years. We are determined to continuously increase our production and enter new markets. The future looks absolutely promising!
Salome Higgins: Do you also offer natural rice, polished rice, and rice vinegar in your range?
Michael Blatter: Yes, and we are particularly proud of that! Our natural rice, polished rice, and rice vinegar are refined at the Brunnen rice mill. We place great importance on offering a wide range of high-quality rice products to meet the various needs and preferences of our customers. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be able to offer our customers so many options.
Salome Higgins: Are there already many investors interested in your project?
Michael Blatter: Absolutely! The interest from investors is overwhelming. The investment sum will soon reach the 1 million mark. This enormous trust from investors reinforces our approach and helps us realize our visions even faster. It’s fantastic to see how many people believe in our project and want to be part of it.
Salome Higgins: What are Hi-Rice’s long-term visions?
Michael Blatter: Our long-term visions are grand! We want to establish the Hi-Rice method worldwide to make rice cultivation more sustainable and efficient. There is enormous potential in the global application of our technique, especially in regions with water scarcity. Through our projects, we hope to improve food security while making a positive contribution to environmental protection. The possibilities are endless!
Salome Higgins: Finally, Mr. Blatter, what personally motivates you to drive this project forward?
Michael Blatter: My motivation comes from deep conviction! I firmly believe that through innovations in the agricultural sector, we can make a significant contribution to solving global challenges. The opportunity to promote sustainable practices, improve the livelihoods of farmers, and protect the environment at the same time drives me. It’s a fulfilling feeling to see our work making a positive difference and benefiting so many people.
Salome Higgins: Thank you for this inspiring conversation, Mr. Blatter. I wish you and Hi-Rice continued success.
Michael Blatter: Thank you, Ms. Higgins. It was a pleasure speaking with you.
