NAKHON RATCHASIMA/LAMPANG - People have responded warmly to the farmer-to-consumer rice markets popping up all over the country, with at least two provinces reporting brisk sales on the first day.
In Nakhon Ratchasima, farmers from 17 districts brought seven tonnes for sale at the Thao Suranaree Monument in Muang district on Sunday, the second day of the market.
On Saturday, they sold 4.5 tonnes for almost 140,000 baht.
The types of rice sold were hom mali, brown rice and rice berry and the prices were in a range between 22-30 baht a kilogramme.
Since there was no middleman involved, the prices are lower than market prices and people flocked to the market.
Thong-in Khunnara, 57, a Korat buyer, said after she learned about the government's plan to open markets for farmers to directly sell the produce to buyers, she rushed to buy the grain.
She bought 50 kg of hom mali rice and five kg of brown nice for 1,550 baht in total on Sunday. "I'm so proud to do my part in helping farmers. Besides, I could buy rice quite cheaply. What I bought today will last us two months."
The provincial agriculture office said on Saturday, the first day of the market, 4.59 tonnes were bought for 140,030 baht.
The popular varieties were hom mali and brown rice (3.69 tonnes) and rice berry (280 kg).
In the northern province of Lampang, a rice market was opened at Kaad Thung Kwian, a large folk products market in Hang Chat district.
The management of the privately owned market even held a promotion campaign offering a draw for free electric appliances -- two refrigerators, 12 fans and 12 rice cookers -- to those who buy three bags or more.
Chuchai Chansakao, manager of Kaad Thung Kwian, said he used his own money to buy the prizes because he wanted to help farmers.