Broken pledges | Bangkok Post: business

Almost seven years ago, 42-year-old Napa Hosrithong of Suphan Buri province was one of many rice farmers under the Thaksin Shinawatra government's pledging scheme. Even though relatively high prices were pledged, she recalls seldom receiving the full amount, as millers frequently pushed down her price. They said her output failed to meet the strict humidity level of 15%, a standard that is difficult for the average farmer to meet due to a lack of proper equipment and maintenance.

With little bargaining power, Ms Napa, who owned only four rai and rented another seven rai for a yield of 8-9 tonnes per harvest, had no choice but to return home with light pockets. However, the situation picked up last year when the previous government introduced its crop insurance programme. Middlemen were cut out, and a guaranteed price was paid directly to farmers, affording them peace of mind.

"The biggest worry for farmers is the amount of rice that can be reaped each harvest, as crop destruction from unforeseeable events such as natural disasters is a big risk such as the situation with the ongoing floods," said Mrs Napa, who fears her price will now once again be pushed down by millers using the same old excuses.