Public and private agencies are upbeat about the higher prices of agricultural goods. However, the Federation of Thai Industries has expressed concern over the shortage of skilled workers in various industries as many have turned to farm works in light of rising crop prices.
Director general of the Internal Trade Department, Chutima Boonyaprapat, revealed that the prices of rice and other agricultural products are constantly rising.
Jasmine rice is now selling at 14,600 to 15,500 baht per ton, ten-percent glutinous rice at 9,500 to 11,500 baht per ton, Pathum Thani fragrant rice at 11,500 to 12,000 baht and five-percent white rice at 9,500 to 10,700 baht.
Chutima observed that rice prices are likely to increase further next year, considering declining rice stocks on the international market.
She said the government will press on with the price guarantee scheme, which has proven very effective in raising farmers' income in the past months.
In the meantime, President of the Thai Rubber Association, Lakchai Kittipol, said Thailand's rubber export is picking up in line with the recovering global economy.
Local rubber prices have also gone up, with third-class smoked rubber sheets selling at 98 baht per kilogram, 40 percent higher than last year's price.
Lakchai attributed the price rise to a decline in rubber supply as opposed to a higher demand. He expects the rubber price to average between 80 and 100 baht per kilogram next year, up 30 percent from this year.
Meanwhile, Taweekit Jaturacharoenkun, Federation of Thai Industries vice chairman overseeing employment, expects at least 200,000 jobs to be available in the production sector next year, considering an increasing demand for labor as a result of the improved economy.
However, he noted that there is currently shortage of skilled workers in such industries as textile, footwear and electronics, since many of them went back home to farm due to higher agricultural produce prices.
Source : TANN
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