MOAC announces rice farming strategy to balance supply and demand

BANGKOK, 26 April 2016 (NNT) – The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC) has announced the plan to promote rice farming in 62.12 million rais of land, set to implement the Agri-Map system to determine which areas are suitable for rice cultivation.

MOAC Minister Gen Chatchai Sarikulya has revealed the Ministry’s plan to solve the rice oversupply issue, stating that rice production each year exceeds demand, while the rice variations do not meet consumer's demand, and farmers are being taken advantage of from the lack of proper management.

He has said that the MOAC has set the new rice production target at 27.17 million tons for the 2016-2017 cycle, which is slightly higher than the demand calculated by the Ministry of Commerce, which was at 25.01 million tons. The extra supply will be reserved to substitute deteriorated rice from pests and natural disaster.

To ensure that the Kingdom's rice production strikes a balance between supply and demand, the MOAC will also push forward a complete cycle plan, which includes the declaration of rice farming promotion areas using the Agri-Map system, plans for harvesting and post-harvesting seasons, and marketing strategies for the domestic market which include the revision of Hom Mali Rice standards, the promotion of rice consumption, and measures to cope with delays in manufacturing to help strengthen the market mechanism.


-- NNT 2016-04-26

Why does the government continue to meddle with supply and demand?

They have been wrong with rice and rubber previously, getting it totally wrong, resulting in pain and losses for those involved.

MOAC might also want to set higher sustainable profit margins that farmers can't get now from low global rice prices. Maybe create something similar to what the Prayut government is doing with rubber - a rice buffer stock program.

Why does the government continue to meddle with supply and demand?

They have been wrong with rice and rubber previously, getting it totally wrong, resulting in pain and losses for those involved.

You could have said exactly the same about the previous PTP government too.

I speak about Thai governments in general.

I agree with you BILLD766