Bangkok (VNA) – Drought has pushed up the wholesale prices ofrice in Thailand, said the country's Ministry ofCommerce.
As of August 4, the price of jasmine riceranged from 14,500-16,000 THB (422-453 USD) per tonne while that of glutinousrice and Pathum Thani fragrant rice was 13,500-14,700 THB and 12,000-13,000 THBper tonne, respectively.
However,the Department of Internal Trade reported that retail prices remain stable.
TheRice Department under the Thai Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives estimated paddy production this year at 32.35 million tonnes,down 5.6% from 34.3 million tonnes last year, due to drought.
Meanwhile,President of the Thai Rice Exporters Association Charoen Laothammatas said thisyear could be a good year for farmers as the price of paddy has risen sharply.
Theglobal price of white rice surged after India banned rice exports, he said,adding that it remains unclear how long the export ban will last./.
