Thai farmers set to grow demand for chemical fertilisers next year

The demand for chemical fertilisers and agricultural chemicals among Thai farmers is expected to rise between October and December next year. This increased need is crucial for crops such as oil palm, rubber, fruit trees, and ornamental plants, which require year-round agricultural inputs.

Udom Srisomrong, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, highlighted that the current fertiliser prices in central Thailand are generally lower than those of the previous year.

Presently, the average price of urea fertiliser (46-0-0) is 830 baht per sack, marking a 1% decrease from last year. Phosphate fertiliser (18-46-0) remains stable at 1,150 baht per sack while the price of potash fertiliser (0-0-60) has dropped to 850 baht per sack, reflecting a notable 19% reduction.

Additionally, the prices for commonly used herbicides and insecticides have also declined. Glyphosate herbicide averages 145 baht per litre, down 15%, glufosinate herbicide is at 180 baht per litre, a 16% decrease, and abamectin insecticide averages 160 baht per litre, also down 16%. These prices can vary depending on the brand and location.

Udom noted that although these price reductions are beneficial, further measures are being planned to help farmers reduce their costs. Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce has instructed Wattanasak Sueaiam, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, to collaborate with various agricultural organisations.

These include the Cooperative Promotion Department, Department of Agricultural Extension, Thai Fertiliser and Agricultural Business Association, Thai Fertiliser Producers Trade Association, Thai Agricultural Business Association, and the Thai Plant Protection Association. The goal is to implement a new project aimed at further reducing the prices of fertilisers and agricultural chemicals for farmers.

Discounted fertilisers

This new project, set to run from October 1 to December 31 next year, will facilitate the direct sale of discounted fertilisers and agricultural chemicals from factories to farmers via agricultural cooperatives. The initiative will cover all types of fertilisers and agricultural chemicals needed for growing a variety of crops, including rice, field crops, horticultural crops, fruit trees, and ornamental plants.

The department is currently in the process of collecting a comprehensive list of fertilisers and agricultural chemicals from manufacturers and importers.

Farmers interested in participating can place orders through the agricultural cooperatives they are members of, such as agricultural cooperatives, community soil and fertiliser management centres, community enterprises, and large-scale farming groups.

These cooperatives will consolidate orders and communicate them to the provincial agriculture offices, district agriculture offices, or provincial cooperative offices in their respective areas.

The Department of Internal Trade will publish the list and prices of the participating fertilisers and agricultural chemicals on its website, and will hold press conferences to inform farmers across the country about the project details, reported KhaoSod.