Economy Farmers Plead for Government Help as Paddy Prices Crash Below Instant Noodles

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File photo courtesy of Wikipedia

 

Farmers in Khon Kaen, Thailand, are urging the government for immediate intervention as paddy rice prices drop to a shocking low of 6 Thai Baht per kilogramme, outpriced by everyday instant noodles, usually costing about 7 Baht.

 

Reporters from Amarin TV found that, despite a decent yield, the profit margin for rice farmers in Ban Kota village has plummeted, leaving them in financial distress. With heavy rains on the horizon, there's more pressure on them to complete their harvest quickly.

 

Mr. Pongpichit Khunkota, a 50-year-old farmer, recounted that last year he managed to sell his paddy at 8 to 10 Baht per kg, but this year’s prices have nose-dived.

 

Alongside the grand fall in rice prices, other farming costs such as oil and transportation have steadily risen, he explained, despite a moderate fall in fertiliser expenses.

 

The selling price setback means a kilogramme of rice doesn't even match the cost of instant noodles, laying bare the dire economic condition for those who depend on rice farming.

 

Ms. Amara Singhpim, 67, another farmer, expressed frustration over the 6 Baht per kg rate for dry paddy, stating it sinks lower to 5 Baht if the crop is moist.

 

Despite harvesting from her six-rai field, she only garnered about 30,000 Baht—a sum inadequate for financing the next planting season without additional income sources.

 

Both farmers and others in the community are appealing to the government not only for the previously announced 1,000 Baht per rai aid but also to facilitate a price increase to at least 8–9 Baht per kg for paddy rice.

 

The farmers' appeal reflects a poignant struggle linking agricultural income with basic financial survival.

 

As the rainy season nears, the pressure mounts on rice farmers to tackle low prices amid growing costs, underscoring an urgent need for governmental intervention to alleviate their plight and ensure the sustainability of their livelihoods.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from [source] 2025-05-26