Price surge in off-season rice boosts Thai farming

The president of Ban Mai Khao Farmers Group commended the recent increase in the price of fresh off-season rice, which has hit 10,000 baht (US$280) per tonne. This price surge not only encourages the traditional practice of rice cultivation among Thai farmers but also ensures a steady income for them.

Suphan Phathom’s area of oversight includes the last remaining rice field in Baan Mai Khao, Phuket. The field serves as a demonstration site, offering students and interested parties an opportunity to explore and understand the process of rice cultivation, said Suphan.

“It is not farmed for market production but to keep the practice of rice growing alive.”

The locally grown rice is sold to local households for around 40 to 50 baht, owing to the non-use of chemicals or fertilisers. The field also plays host to special harvest activities organised in collaboration with government agencies, aimed at boosting local participation.

These activities include planting crops to celebrate Mother’s Day and Father’s Day each year, with planting starting on August 12 and harvesting on December 5.

During this time, representatives from the Phuket Land Development Station and the Phuket Provincial Agriculture Office visited to inspect the soil condition and provide assistance for any arising issues, reported The Phuket News.

Suphan expressed his delight at the rice price increase.

“This is the best price in many years. We are happy for the farmers; this gives them more strength and instills confidence in continuing farming and agricultural careers.”

Suphan further emphasised the importance of maintaining agricultural product prices at a level acceptable to farmers, as this would enhance the sustainability of Thailand’s agricultural sector.

In related news, rice prices surged to a 15-year high amid growing concerns about the impact of increased demand and the effects of El Niño on supplies. The grain, a dietary staple for billions of people in Asia and Africa, saw its cost rise 2.5% last week, reaching US$650 a tonne, the highest point since October 2008.