Nonthaburi: Deputy Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade announces good news for the planting season. Commerce pulls agriculture Manufacturer-Importer New phase of fertilizer price reduction helps farmers all over the country, emphasizing that this year's event will be bigger than before. Second Lieutenant Chakra Yodmanee, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, revealed that the Department of Internal Trade has always closely followed the situation regarding the quantity and price of fertilizer. It is expected that from April onwards farmers will purchase more fertilizer to prepare for this year's planting season. In particular, the cultivation of first-year rice in the central region will begin planting in May onwards. and animal feed corn that is planted in large quantities during March - June, and from monitoring it was found that Although the demand for fertilizer both domestically and abroad will increase according to favorable times and weather conditions. But with the amount of fertilizer available in the world market, Especially urea fertilizer which is the main fertilizer formula. It is predicted that if no complications arise, fertilizer prices in the world market are likely to remain stable and not change much. As for Thailand, in 2023 there were 5.08 million tons of fertilizer imported, 24% more than the amount imported in 2022, and at the beginning of the year there was still continued importation. Fertilizer stocks at the end of February 2024 were still there. at 1.08 million tons, which is sufficient for cultivation. There is definitely no shortage of fertilizer. From following current fertilizer prices (The average price in the central region) is also at a lower level than the same period last year (March 2023). For example, urea fertilizer (46-0-0) has an average price of 850 baht per sack, 13% lower than last year. Phosphate fertilizer (18-46-0) has an average price of 1,150 baht per sack, 34% lower than last year. Potash fertilizer (0-0-60) has an average price of 950 baht per sack, 42% lower than last year. Fertilizer formula 21- 0-0 The average price per sack is 530 baht, 22% lower than last year. 15-15-15 formula fertilizer has an average price of 1,020 baht per sack, 22% lower than last year. And 16-20-0 formula fertilizer has an average price of 880 baht per sack. 24% lower than last year However, Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Emphasis has been placed on increasing efficiency and reducing input costs for farmers. as well as maintaining the price of produce to provide farmers with good incomes. The Department of Internal Trade therefore held a meeting to discuss with the Department of Cooperative Promotion. Department of Agricultural Extension Thai Fertilizer and Agricultural Business Trade Association Thai Fertilizer Producers Trade Association and the Thai Agricultural Business Association on March 14, 2024. All parties are ready to work with the Department of Internal Trade to prepare 'Project to link cheap fe rtilizer to farmers' phase two from 1 April - 30 June 2024, continuing from phase one that will end on 31 March 2024. It will connect discounted fertilizer from factories to be sold to farmers through farmer institutes. and will review all fertilizer items that have been reduced in price to be in line with demand during the next 3 months. Importantly, it still covers fertilizer formulas used in growing all types of crops as before. Whether it is rice fields, field crops, garden crops or fruits, we are currently in the process of compiling a list of fertilizers. The goal is to have a higher quantity of discounted fertilizer than in the first phase. (The first phase included 3.1 million sacks of fertilizer.) Interested farmers can order through farmer institutions of which they are members, such as agricultural cooperatives. Community Fertilizer Soil Management Center community enterprises and large plots, which will be collected by the Farmers Institute In this regard, the order must be notified to the Prov incial Agriculture Office. District Agriculture Office or the Provincial Cooperative Office in each area. However, farmers who are not currently members of the Farmers Institute can join together to purchase Or go buy fertilizer from farmer institutes participating in the project. You can follow more details on the website. www.dit.go.th .-514-Thai News Agency Source: Thai News Agency