Missed opportunity
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The success of independent organic-rice planters is to be applauded. The switch to higher-value organic rice, producing new strains and value-added products was always a better option than making farmers beggars at the door of the leader-in-absentia.
The evidence was available in that the organic-rice farmers did not need to participate in the rice price-pledging scheme. Had the scheme’s benefits been paid only to the farmers, it would have cost the country less. The other money could have allowed some farmers to grow organic rice and freed the country of the burden in future.
The prime minister visited an organic-rice farm some weeks ago for a photo opportunity. There has been no suggestion of interest since then.
Richard Bowler
Bangkok
