By a small majority, people want to see a continuation of the rice pledging scheme, but the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) should adjust the price paid for the grain, according to a survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida).
Farmers dump paddy in front of the Government Lottery Office, demanding long-overdue payments, in March 2014. (Photo by Apichart Jinakul)
The pollster surveyed 1,464 people on June 10-12.
Nida reported on Friday that 56% of respondents, or about 825, were of the view the NCPO should continure the rice pledging scheme, but the price should be adjusted to conform to the global market price.
Another 23% said the project should be scrapped, 17% felt the old scheme should be continued without change.
A small number said the price should be increased, farmers should get the money immediately and there should be tighter controls to prevent corruption.
On question regarding what rice policy the NCPO should implement to maximise the farmer benefit, 42.08% of respondents suggested income guarantee, 34.70% needs paddy price guarantee, 18.03% says rice pledging scheme. The rest of respondents proposes other measures such as assistance on farming materials and cost cutting, funding access, increasing marketing channel on rice distribution and adding more skills to farmers.
On the question on their expectation from the NCOP on development of farmers, 23.95% of respondents wants farmers not being taken advantage by middlemen, 16.77% urges production cost reduction, 16.02% expects farmers to be freed from debt and have better living, 15.23% suggests improved marketing for sales of farm products, 11.81% envisions farmers with own land for cultivation, 9.88% sees higher price of farm outputs, 5.81% sees Thai farmers to be on par with international farmers.
Minority of respondents urged the development of products quality, farmer development fund, rice varieties development and educating farmers.