Thailand looks to long-term rice development policy hinh anh 1Illustrative image (Source: AFP)
 
Bangkok (VNA) – The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) has suggested that the future government outline long-term solutions for the national rice development policy and cost-pledging programmes.

In a report recently announced by the TDRI, it said Thailand’s government has only focused on short-term measures, meeting difficulties in raising domestic rice prices which are decided by the world market.

According to the report, Thai farmers are speeding up production, mostly in areas with sufficient water supply. The Government has also strived to promote the megafarm programme by providing support in machinery and equipment procurement, thereby saving costs and improving productivity.

Nipon Poapongsakorn, an expert from TDRI, said the Government should help farmers fix their shortcomings in knowledge and technological mastery.

The National Rice Policy and Management Committee of Thailand adopted the goal of exporting 10 million tonnes of rice in 2019, down 1 million tonnes from the 2018 target.

As of December 11, 2018, Thailand shipped 10.35 million tonnes of rice abroad, ranking second behind India with 11.37 million tonnes. Vietnam was placed third with 6.06 million tonnes. –VNA
VNA