BANGKOK, Nov 1 (TNA) – The Thai government on Friday
began the first phase of its THB24-billion subsidy scheme for over 1.4 million
rubber farmers.
The first group of over 50,000 eligible farmers receives a
total of THB170 million in the first phase of the income guarantee scheme to
help rubber farmers suffering losses due to falling prices of latex and rubber
sheets.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Jurin
Laksanawisit who presided over the scheme kick-off on Friday said the
income-guarantee subsidy for rubber growers was an urgent plan of the
government which was being implemented along with other measures to ensure
stable income.
The Cabinet last month approved the 24.278-billion-baht
budget for the scheme. It guarantees the
price of premium grade rubber sheets at THB60 per kilogram, latex at 57 baht
per kilogram and cup lumps at 23 baht per kilogram.
Farmers have to register with the authorities and meet some
qualifications to receive the subsidy.
After this first round of subsidy which is being transferred
to farmers until November 15, the next round of payment will be made in January
and the third in March, according to Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister
Chalermchai Sri-on.
The government has vowed to simultaneously promote the
domestic use of rubber and explore new markets for Thai rubber products.
(TNA)
