AGRICULTURE
PHUSADEE ARUNMAS
The Commerce Ministry pledged yesterday to buy paddy from farmers to refill the government's rice stockpiles amid concerns that sales to consumers of low-cost packaged rice will affect current prices of paddy. Commerce Minister Mingkwan Sangsuwan said the government would buy paddy on a gradual basis to replenish the stocks that are now being used for the low-cost rice sales.
''Simply speaking, if we allocate 500,000 tonnes from the existing 2.1 million tonnes in the government stockpile to sell in affordable packages to consumers, the government is ready to buy 500,000 tonnes of paddy at market prices to fill up the stocks,'' he said.
The cabinet on Tuesday approved a plan to use 2.1 million tonnes of rice in state inventories to sell at prices 20% lower than current retail market prices.
The rice being distributed consists of both 5% white rice, the most popular type consumed in the country, and Hom Mali (Jasmine) rice.
The first lot, consisting mostly of 5% white rice, will be available for sale starting on May 12.
The price will be around 170 baht for a five-kilogramme package of standard-grade 5% white rice compared with the average of 200 baht now charged in the market.
The Commerce and Interior ministries will handle distribution along with local administrations. The rice would not be available in retail shops in order to keep sales prices reasonable.
Mr Mingkwan said proceeds from selling the packed rice would be used to buy paddy from farmers.
Prev
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Next
