NONTHABURI, Aug 27 (TNA) – The Commerce Ministry has rolled out four missions as it is mapping out the five-year rice strategy for Thailand to produce quality rice for the world market and to increase the country’s competitiveness.
The four missions involve domestic market, overseas market, production and processing and innovation, said the Commerce Minister, Jurin Laksanavisit.
Reducing production cost is one of the key missions. The ministry is planning to cut the production for farmers to less than 3,000 baht per rai (1 acre = 2.5 rai) from the existing 6,000 baht per rai within five year and increase rice yield from 460 kg. per rai to 600 kg. per rai, the minister said.
The new strategy will create balance between domestic demand and production each year and promote varieties of rice strains to serve overseas market demand especially soft-textured rice to enhance its competitiveness.
The sub-committee is speeding up to finalize the plan, which will be the guidelines for the implementation of the policy to be achieved within five year, he said.
When it is finished, it will be forwarded to the National Rice Policy and Management Committee (NRPMC) and the Cabinet for consideration. (TNA)
