Sisaket: A government spokesman explained that this year's rising rice prices have brought joy to farmers in Sisaket, who are clearing their stockpiles and preventing Cambodian rice from flooding the market. He also stated that the government is moving forward with a policy of delayed sales of rice and encouraging additional crops to be planted after the rainy season.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, spokesman for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed the current rice price situation this year, confirming that prices are favorable. This aligns with feedback from farmers in Sisaket Province, particularly jasmine rice farmers, who stated that the price, excluding moisture content, is currently at 13.20 baht per kilogram, a high level that farmers are very satisfied with. This compares favorably to last year, when prices dropped to as low as 7-9 baht per kilogram at times.
A government spokesman pointed out that the key factor contributing to this year's apparent recovery in rice prices is the government's ongoing measures to accelerate the clearing of rice stockpiles. At the same time, there is no rice from Cambodia entering the Thai market, as in the past, resulting in the price system beginning to return to balance.
Mr. Siripong stated that the government has adopted policies that align with global market mechanisms and avoids reversing price-distorting practices such as rice pledging or high price guarantees. Therefore, a loan measure is being introduced to delay rice sales for farmers who wish to wait for prices to rise. The government has allocated a budget to support farmers in borrowing for daily expenses, with the money then repaid upon sale. Furthermore, there is a measure to store rice in barns, with the government processing a portion of the rice into milled rice to increase its value in the system.
The government spokesman also stated that Thailand's rice exports this year have decreased significantly compared to last year. This, coupled with government policies earlier this year, under the supervision of the previous government, signaled full-scale cultivation due to abundant water availability and encouraged increased off-season rice cultivation. This has resulted in a significant influx of both old and new rice into the market, leading to a drop in rice prices. The government is therefore urgently addressing this issue by clearing stocks and encouraging farmers to delay sales to boost prices.
Regarding the post-rainy season outlook, the government spokesperson stated that the government has measures to temporarily support farmers who switch to other crops, offering a subsidy of 2,000 baht per rai. The government does not intend to permanently stop growing rice, but rather to manage the country's demand-supply balance.
Mr. Siripong also mentioned high-potential economic crops, such as the Hom Thong banana, which is highly sought after in Japan but Thailand currently lacks sufficient production, as well as durian and coconut, all of which are fruits with significant potential and market potential. Should farmers wish to change their crop types, government agencies are prepared to fully support them with knowledge and market systems.
"We expect approximately 1 million rai of land for farmers to shift to other crops during the production cycle, not permanently," a government spokesperson said, emphasizing that the government is merely offering options and not ordering farmers to change crops. He emphasized that the government is simply offering alternatives, not ordering farmers to switch crops, but rather requiring a comprehensive review based on market principles and the farmers' own stable incomes.