Bangkok: "Athakorn" invites cooperatives and animal feed factories to buy corn at 9 baht/kg. The Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC) discussed with various sectors to address the issue of falling animal feed corn prices, inviting agricultural cooperatives and animal feed factories to purchase corn at 9 baht per kilogram to help farmers weather the crisis.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Atthakorn Sirilathayakorn, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, held an urgent meeting with animal feed entrepreneurs, led by Mr. Chayanon Kritayachaweng, Vice President of the Thai Feed Mill Association and the Feed Mill Association (PIA), along with representatives from the animal feed industry, Mr. Prayoon Insakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, and Mr. Somchuan Rattanamangalanon, Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development, to jointly develop solutions to the problem of falling corn prices.
This meeting aimed to build confidence among farmers. The Thai Animal Feed Manufacturers Association confirmed its readiness to open a factory to purchase corn at a price of 9 baht per kilogram. This agreement represents a joint agreement between the government and the private sector to support farmers from the upstream, ensuring that farmers have a secure source of supply for their produce.
The Minister of Agriculture also stated that he has assigned the Cooperative Promotion Department to select potential cooperatives in corn-growing areas to play a role in collecting and purchasing produce, and to closely coordinate with the association to determine appropriate prices.
Meanwhile, the Department of Livestock Development has been assigned to serve as a central point for receiving complaints. Any cases of middlemen undercutting prices or taking advantage of farmers will be coordinated with animal feed factories to ensure fair action is taken.
Mr. Chayanon Kritayachaweng, Vice President of the Thai Animal Feed Manufacturers Association, stated that the association is fully committed to assisting farmers. Purchasing will be conducted in strict accordance with government policy, and this represents a shared commitment with the Ministry of Agriculture to care for corn farmers, as promised to the government.