New pledging scheme planned for poor farmers
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The government is planning to launch a new pledging scheme for rice farmers next month, in time for the upcoming harvest season, under which the price will be set according to the size of paddy fields so poor farmers do not suffer from price cuts.
Deputy Commerce Minister Yanyong Phuangrach said the authorities would hold an official meeting tomorrow with farmers and relevant agencies to discuss the new scheme.
“The new pledging price would also reflect the real market situation. The new price can be lowered, but it will not affect the income of poor farmers. This will also help encourage the growth of rice exports,” Yanyong said.
He went on to say that the new scheme should be accepted by all parties, adding that the price should be set this month and announced next month to ensure that farmers have time to make adjustments.
Wiboonlasana Ruamraksa, director-general of the Internal Trade Department, said the new pledging price would be set according to the size of each farmer’s paddy field.
“This method would ensure that poor farmers with small fields do not suffer from price cuts,” she explained.
For instance, if a paddy field is only 10-15 rai (1.6-2.4 hectares), the farmer will get the maximum pledging price of Bt15,000 per tonne. But if a field covers 50-100 rai, then the farmer would get Bt12,000 per tonne.
Wiboonlasana said this new scheme was being planned to help poor farmers. Under this project, the government will also launch measures to help cut down on the cost of production.
