Thailand’s rice exports sprout an impressive 12% surge

[snoop1130]

 

The Commerce Ministry reported a significant increase in Thailand’s rice exports. Data reveals an 11.91% rise in exports from January to August 29, compared to the same duration last year. During this period, Thailand managed to export a hefty 5.29 million metric tonnes of rice.

 

Despite the impressive rice export figures, the agricultural sector in Southeast Asia has been grappling with lower-than-usual rainfall. This has adversely affected the growth of rice, palm oil, sugarcane, and coffee crops. The lack of sufficient rainfall has been particularly severe in Indonesia and Thailand, with these nations being the worst affected.

 

The struggle with inadequate rainfall highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the agricultural sector in Southeast Asia. The region’s dependence on agriculture for both local consumption and export necessitates the development of effective strategies to manage the impact of unpredictable weather patterns. These strategies will be crucial in ensuring the sustainability and profitability of this vital sector in the face of climate change.

 

As the world’s leading rice exporter, Thailand’s performance in rice exports is closely watched by international markets. The country’s ability to increase rice exports despite challenging weather conditions underscores its resilience and adaptability. However, the ongoing weather challenges underline the importance of continued investment in agricultural technology and infrastructure to mitigate the impact of climate change on the sector.

 

By Alex Morgan

Caption: Photo by Dennis Rochel on Unsplash

 

Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thailands-rice-exports-soar-despite-climate-challenges

 

-- The Thaiger 2023-08-31

 

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[kickstart]

The op is right in my area Lopburi, it has been a bad year very little rain, affecting all crops.

But. The investment in new technology bit, has a very long way to go ,farmers are already in debt ,mainly to the BAAC ,the government owned bank for farmers and farming co-op's ,any new technology will be shyed away ,a lot of farmers afraid that it will cost them and may not work ,and as a lot will come from abroad ,with the impot tax for most farmers it will be to expensive for them.

Herd last week ,a second hand sugar cane harvester ,imported, has cost 2-2.5 million baht  we have a good few about ,using a machine means cane is not burnt ,but now the government has increased the import tax on the machines, and one now costs 5 million baht ,so I was told, way out of the reach of most growers ,so now will more cane be burnt before harvest ??,good thinking on behalf of our government.

[hotchilli]

9 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The Commerce Ministry reported a significant increase in Thailand’s rice exports. Data reveals an 11.91% rise in exports from January to August 29, compared to the same duration last year. During this period, Thailand managed to export a hefty 5.29 million metric tonnes of rice.

So will the prices still be rising?

[RichardColeman]

Probably nothing to do with India stopping the export of some rice then ? 

[Srikcir]

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

the importance of continued investment in agricultural technology and infrastructure to mitigate the impact of climate change on the sector.

Maybe begin a shift from funding massive highways, bridges, train systems and military conveyances all of which provide no escape from climate change.

[StayinThailand2much]

17 hours ago, kickstart said:

The op is right in my area Lopburi, it has been a bad year very little rain, affecting all crops.

I'm curious, how record rice and other agricultural exports, and bad growing conditions add up. Did domestic consumption slow down?

[jacko45k]

Last month weren't we all being told about shortages and high prices?

[rickudon]

India's ban on exporting rice and the Ukraine war affecting grain prices, means rice is selling for more on international market. Hence more is being exported.

[connda]

Given that a significant portion of Thailand is under drought conditions, and at least here in Northeastern Lamphun I venture that less than 60% of the fields are producing rice this year while the rest lay fallow.  We ain't go no extra water.

So what this may mean is that rice commodities middle men are getting filthy rich as Thailand back-fills rice export due to India's rice export ban - but - Thailand does so by screwing over their domestic supply and duly rogering the Thai public next year, as I fully expect domestic rice price to "surge" next year and by multiples of 12%.

[jacko45k]

On 9/5/2023 at 6:26 PM, connda said:

Given that a significant portion of Thailand is under drought conditions, and at least here in Northeastern Lamphun I venture that less than 60% of the fields are producing rice this year while the rest lay fallow.  We ain't go no extra water.

Some areas in Thailand are flooding and of course that impacts rice production negatively.