The Rice Millers Association is planning to submit suggestions for the rice pledging scheme to the Commerce Ministry, which will focus on releasing government rice stocks once the scheme is completed.

Thai Rice Mills Association Vice President Wichai Srinawakul said the Commerce Ministry and the association will meet to discuss the rice situation and the implementation of the pledging scheme for in-season paddy rice, which is expected to be available in the market between October and November.

Wichai added he will use this opportunity to submit suggestions to the prime minister and the Commerce Ministry, for their consideration, regarding appropriate guidelines for the rice pledging scheme.

The rice mills council suggested a committee be formed in four regions to serve as coordination centers between the government and millers in verifying contracts and resolving conflicts and problems, such as manipulation.

It also called for milling prices to be kept at between 500 to 600 baht per ton in order to keep them consistent with the rising costs of labor, electricity and overhead.

Earlier, Finance Minister Theerachai Phuwanartnaranubal said during the briefing of the rice pledging scheme to the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives that his ministry will employ measures to keep the prices of rice in the market higher than those set by the pledging scheme.

The government has initially agreed to purchase long-grain paddy with 15-percent humidity at 15,000 baht per ton and jasmine paddy at 20,000 baht per ton.

Source: TANN