Bangkok: The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is preparing to propose measures to the National Rice Policy Committee aimed at establishing zoning for rice cultivation, improving rice quality, and addressing declining prices. The strategy includes reducing dry-season rice production and enhancing packaging and seed production for 200 community rice mills. This initiative seeks to leverage community rice centers to foster commercial market connections, thereby ensuring sustainable solutions to low prices.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mr. Nares Thamrongtipyakhun, highlighted these measures during the academic seminar on “Advancing Rice Production Policy and Developing the Strength of Farmer Groups.” He emphasized rice’s role as the primary economic crop essential to food security, yet acknowledged the persistent issues of poverty, high costs, and insufficient income faced by rice farmers.
The government is focusing on restructuring rice production to elevate it from conventional methods to quality production, such as low-carbon, high-nutrition, and high-quality rice varieties that meet international standards. Proactive marketing efforts are being promoted in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, with community rice centers playing a crucial role in linking markets and strengthening local farmer groups.
Urgent proposals for the upcoming National Rice Policy and Management Committee meeting on November 18th include supporting rice packaging and seed production machines for 200 pilot community small rice mills. Additionally, there are plans to modify 1 million rai of unsuitable rice-growing areas, encouraging farmers to shift to alternative crops such as animal feed corn and legumes, which offer better returns.
Mr. Nares stated that the land rezoning will be conducted in collaboration with key agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, such as the Department of Agricultural Extension, the Department of Land Development, the Department of Cooperative Promotion, and the Rice Department. This integrated approach will pair plantation zoning with provincial and regional marketing zoning, monitored closely by the Ministry of Commerce.
The restructuring aims to stabilize rice prices, mitigate long-term price declines, and enable sustainable farming practices for farmers.