The prices the government will pay farmers as part of the rice-procurement program will be submitted to the prime minister for approval next week, as farmers have backed off their vow to block highways tomorrow in protest against a proposal to lower prices.

Commerce Minister Porntiwa Nakasai will forward the prices for off-season paddies to the National Rice Policy Committee for consideration next week. The committee is chaired by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Initially, the pledging prices were set at 12,000 baht per ton for 5 percent white rice, 12,200 baht per ton for 100 percent white rice, and 9,000 baht per ton for sticky rice with 15 percent moisture. There had been reports that the government was considering lowering prices by as much as 1,000 baht per ton.

The government is expected to operate the procurement program between March 16 and July 31. A total of 5 million tons are expected to be purchased, at a total cost of 36 billion to 42 billion baht.

Wichian Puanglamjiak, Vice President of the Thai Farmers Association, said farmers would be satisfied with 12,000 baht per ton, the amount they previously proposed. Therefore, he said, the farmers would not block the highways tomorrow in protest.

However, he called on the state to ensure that rice millers were ready to handle the crops, to prevent delays in the program and lost opportunities for the farmers.

Source: TANN