Bangkok: Fuel prices soar and diesel shortages shock farmers as costs exceed 7,000 baht per rai; they hope the government will provide urgent assistance before the end of the month. Mr. Pramote Charoensilp, president of the Thai Farmers and Agriculturists Association, revealed on the "Share the News" program on MCOT News FM 100.5 that the sharp increase in fuel prices by 6 baht has caused concern among farmers. Fuel is a significant cost for the agricultural sector, especially during the dry season when rice harvesting machines are needed, yet many areas are facing diesel fuel shortages despite the price increase.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pramote stated that farmers have to carry gallons to refill their fuel tanks for farming. On average, each rai of land uses about 3 liters of fuel, resulting in production costs soaring to 6,500-7,000 baht per rai. Meanwhile, the price of paddy rice remains low at only 6,500-6,700 baht per ton, and in some areas, as low as 5,500 baht, causing farmers to continuously bear losses.
Previously, the Farmers' Association held discussions with the Ministry of Commerce regarding assistance measures. The government has prepared a budget of over 500 million baht to establish purchasing points through rice mills and cooperatives nationwide. Farmers will be compensated 300 baht per ton, and rice mills will receive a subsidy of 200 baht per ton to cover operating costs, covering approximately 1 million tons of rice.
However, the president of the farmers' association expressed concern that the measure might open the door for rice mills to suppress purchase prices, as it is known that farmers are receiving increased compensation. The Ministry of Commerce confirmed that it will closely monitor both pricing and moisture content to prevent exploitation of farmers.
Furthermore, there is the problem of continuously rising fertilizer prices. Urea fertilizer (46-0-0), which used to cost 500-600 baht per bag, has now soared to 950-1,200 baht, and in some areas, it reaches as high as 1,290 baht per bag. Although the government insists that there is no fertilizer shortage, farmers believe that the price increase is due to opportunistic trading by some traders.
Mr. Pramote also suggested that the government expedite the investigation into unannounced fertilizer prices and promote domestic fertilizer production to reduce long-term dependence on imports.
The farmers' association has already submitted a letter to the Ministry of Energy and the Prime Minister, emphasizing that the most urgent problem right now is "having fuel" to avoid disrupting the crop harvest. Without fuel, the combine harvesters cannot operate, which could damage the rice crop.
They also stated that they would wait for clarification from the government until the end of the month. If there are no concrete measures, there may be protests by farmers in 22 provinces.