Many disgruntled rice farmers have come out to protest the National Rice Policy Board's decision for the small raise in reference price and quota for the income guarantee scheme.

Although some protesters have dispersed, they are preparing to send representatives to talk with the government.

Following yesterday's National Rice Policy Board meeting which was presided over by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, the government has decided to raise the reference price and rice quantity for the farmer income guarantee scheme for three types of rice, namely white rice which is now at 11,000 baht per ton, Pathum Thani rice which was readjusted to 11,500 baht per ton and sticky rice at 10,000 baht per ton.

Meanwhile, the guaranteed quota has gone up from 25 tons to 30 tons per household. The decision has sparked dissatisfaction among rice farmers across the country.

Farmers in the North have gathered in front of Naresuan University in Phitsanulok province while Ayutthaya farmers are staging their protests in front of the provincial hall.

The farmers are demanding the government increase the reference price from 10,000 to 14,000 baht, raise the quota from 25 to 40 tons per household and ensure that the price of paddy with 30-percent moisture be raised to a minimum of 10,000 baht per ton.

Although many farmers strongly disagree with the National Rice Policy Board's decision, a large number have dispersed with the plan to send representatives from different provinces to discuss the issue with the panel.

Protest leaders said farmers will stage a rally again if the rice panel does not respond. Nonetheless, there are still a number of disgruntled farmers at rally sites in Ayutthaya.

Source: TANN