Bangkok: The Ministry of Agriculture is moving forward with the nationwide implementation of rice cultivation zoning measures, aiming to balance supply and demand, improve quality, reduce costs, and be environmentally friendly. The ministry is also preparing to develop service systems to facilitate farmer access to these initiatives.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Winairoj Sapsongsook, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, stated that the Ministry is accelerating the implementation of rice commodity management approaches through collaborative efforts among various departments, including the Department of Rice, Department of Irrigation, Department of Land Development, Department of Agricultural Research, Department of Agricultural Extension, Land Reform Office, and the Office of Agricultural Economics (OAE).
The meeting established a system for a rice production structure that is appropriate to the potential of each area and meets the demands of both domestic and international markets. This involves expanding the certification of Jasmine rice varieties to increase planting area coverage, promoting the production of rice using Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), low-carbon and organic rice, and supporting knowledge sharing for sustainable cost reduction and quality improvement. Additionally, the ministry is focused on finding markets for agricultural produce in advance to ensure stability for farmers and promoting the production of rice varieties that are suitable for local conditions. In areas where the land is unsuitable for rice cultivation, alternative agricultural practices will be encouraged.
It was emphasized that this approach will be an important tool in planning to promote stable incomes for farmers, reduce income duplication, and enhance the competitiveness of the Thai agricultural sector. Relevant agencies have been tasked with gathering spatial data, analyzing potential, and categorizing areas before systematically promoting rice cultivation. The goal is to produce high-quality rice at low cost while being environmentally friendly, catering to the global market's growing emphasis on eco-friendly trends. This aligns with the "Market-Driven, Innovation-Enhanced, Increased Income" policy of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Captain Thamanat Phromphao.
The Ministry of Agriculture will work more closely with the Ministry of Commerce, which oversees trade, within the framework of the National Rice Policy Committee (NRPMC) to balance supply and demand in both domestic and international markets. Additionally, the Ministry of Agriculture is preparing to develop a new farmer service system to reduce limitations in accessing information and government support, especially in agricultural technology, water, and land, enabling Thai farmers to keep pace with changes in the global market sustainably.