BANGKOK, 2 Dec 2014, Representatives of para rubber, sugarcane, and rice farmers met the Deputy Agriculture Minister in separate meetings to discuss the Government’s assistance measures for the sector.
Rubber growers yesterday urged Deputy Agriculture Minister Amnuey Patisay to expedite the implementation of government assistance measures such as the establishment a fund to purchase rubber at 60 baht per kg, and a project to give loans of not more than 100,000 baht per household.
The group also called for sustainable measures to prop up rubber prices such as an amendment to the Para Rubber Act, the establishment of rubber product operation centers in all regions, development of para rubber markets, and finding markets for processed rubber.
Meanwhile, representatives of rice farmers in the central region urged the Government to help find ways to reduce production costs and issue regulations that would facilitate rice cultivation twice a year in conformity with irrigation cycles.
Those from the Federation of Sugarcane Farmers asked the administration to provide greater support to small-scale planters as well as encourage formation of agricultural groups which would be beneficial to planters in terms of resource pooling, thus helping reduce the operational cost.
They also showed support to agricultural zoning, saying it has encouraged expansion of sugarcane areas. However they suggested the Government educate farmers more on the matter, in order to raise production efficiency and quality at the same time.
