PM to Chair Key Rice Policy Meeting Amid Price Crisis

BANGKOK, Nov 14 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will chair the first meeting of the new National Rice Policy and Management Committee (NRPMC) on November 18, with the sharp decline in global rice prices dominating the agenda.

The meeting will focus on establishing new subcommittees for comprehensive rice sector management and determining policy measures to aid farmers.

The NRPMC, which the Prime Minister chairs, includes key ministers from Finance, Agriculture, Commerce, and Interior.

Thai farmers are reporting severe distress, particularly for White Rice, which has fallen to a loss-making price of 4,000-5,000 baht per ton, compared to production costs of up to 6,000 baht, according to Pramote Charoensilp, President of the Thai Rice Farmers Association.

Meanwhile, Kriangsak Tapnanon, Honorary Advisor to the Thai Rice Farmers Association and former President of the Thai Rice Millers Association, noted that Hom Mali (Jasmine) Rice remains the strongest performer. Prices for fresh Hom Mali paddy have adjusted up slightly to 11,500-12,000 baht per ton (or 14,500-15,000 baht for 15% moisture content).

However, he stressed that the major hurdle is low yield per rai for Hom Mali compared to fragrant varieties from competitors like Vietnam. He called on the Department of Rice under the Ministry of Agriculture to expedite the development of higher-quality and higher-yielding rice strains.

The NRPMC's mandate includes setting short- and long-term rice strategies, promoting research to enhance seed quality and reduce costs, and approving measures to aid farmers, millers, and exporters. 

The November 18 meeting is seen as a critical step in formulating an immediate response to the ongoing agricultural price crisis. -819 (TNA)