Thailand's Half-Half fertilizer project intends to increase rice prices

[snoop1130]

 

The Thai government has initiated a project called "Half-Half Fertiliser" with the goal of enhancing rice prices for farmers, while maintaining the support scheme of 1,000 baht per rai. The project is designed to assist farmers during tough times and improve the quality of rice.

 

Thammanat Prompao, the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, responded to criticisms of the project today. Despite facing some resistance from farmers, the project was approved by the Rice Policy Committee, which includes representatives from various agricultural bodies. The proposal has now been sent to the Cabinet for final approval.

 

Thammanat explained that the project meets the farmers' requirements and is part of a broader plan to apply fertilizer more accurately. This should boost productivity and rice quality. Following the committee's endorsement, the project has already been presented to the Cabinet by the Rice Department. Now, the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce are due to begin work on the project.

 

Farmers wishing to participate in the project will need to voluntarily register through the appropriate channels. This guarantees that participation is not compulsory and farmers have the option to join.

 

 

There have been questions about whether particular companies or fertilizer types could be favored by the project. However, Thammanat confirmed that the project is open to all companies and brands, with no restrictions on specific formulas.

 

In response to queries about the 1,000 baht per rai support scheme, Thammanat made it clear that this program will continue to support farmers facing challenges like low-quality rice due to drought or flooding. It is vital when rice prices fall below a sustainable level, usually between 7,000 and 8,000 baht per tonne. The government plans to support farmers with harvest costs, offering 1,000 baht per rai. The aim is to increase rice prices to between 11,000 and 15,000 baht per tonne, contingent on the rice type.

 

Thammanat addressed the confusion of linking these two projects together by stating that they serve different aims and should not be combined.

 

Regarding the prime minister's request for a review of the project, Thammanat said it is crucial to avoid corruption opportunities among officials or associated agencies. The goal is to supply farmers with high-quality fertilisers to improve rice productivity and quality. Fertiliser manufacturers need to register with the Department of Agriculture, which will test and verify the quality of the fertiliser samples provided. This process must be comprehensive to deter the distribution of inferior fertilisers.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-07-09

 

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[0ffshore360]

My wife has attended meetings explaining this scheme.

Like many such the plan as locally applied seems dodgy by specifying no choice in fertilizer other than one available from an already pre approved supplier. In genuine agro science associated soil testing should establish correct choice.

The need to avert corruption opportunities is  already  present it seems.

[2008bangkok]

Just the mere word of "Corruption" in the article presents a red flag