Bangkok: ‘Narumon’, Minister of Agriculture, is working closely with ‘Agricultural Ambassadors’ and agencies within the Ministry of Commerce to enhance the export of agricultural and agro-industrial products, with a target to reach 1.9-2 trillion baht by 2025.
According to Thai News Agency, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narumon Pinyosinwat, the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, has directed agricultural attach© offices abroad, alongside agencies within the Ministry of Commerce, to intensify efforts in boosting agricultural product exports. The goals are set to increase from 2024’s 1.8 trillion baht to a projected 1.9-2 trillion baht by 2025.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is committed to promoting high-value and sustainable agriculture by encouraging farmers to adapt their cultivation practices. By growing crops that are in demand in the global market, such as coffee, soybeans, and cocoa, farmers can take advantage of suitable growing areas. The Ministry is prepared to support farmers throughout the supply chain and distribution channels, with agricultural attach© offices abroad tasked with accelerating export efforts in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce.
A key mission of the Ministry is to support farmers, who are considered the backbone of the sector. Currently, farmers earn income from two main sources: approximately 220,000 baht annually from agriculture and over 200,000 baht from non-agricultural activities. However, after deducting production costs, the net income from agriculture drops to 89,000 baht per household annually. This underscores the need to add value to products to increase farmers’ income for a better quality of life.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narumon highlighted that the Ministry supports the Rice Policy and Management Committee’s initiatives, such as the loan project to delay sales and loans for rice product collection. These efforts aim to manage supply and prevent market saturation, which can lead to low rice prices.
In terms of rubber, where Thailand is a leading exporter, the Rubber Authority of Thailand has been advised to implement a loan project to delay sales, thus managing supply and stabilizing rubber prices.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narumon further noted that agricultural exports have seen continuous growth over the past three years, with China remaining the top export market, followed by Japan, the United States, Malaysia, and Indonesia. In 2024, Thai agricultural exports were valued at 1.8 trillion baht, comprising 1 trillion baht in fresh fruit exports and 800 billion baht in processed agricultural products. The processing of agricultural products has increased their value by 7.5%, prompting policies to further promote this area. She expressed confidence that by 2025, the value of agricultural and agro-industrial exports will reach the 1.9-2 trillion baht target.