March 21, 2025 | 18:55 GMT +7

  • Click to copy
Monday- 12:27, 10/03/2025

Bananas are an option, not replacement for rice: Pichai

(VAN) The commerce minister clarifies that though the government is promoting high-value crops like bananas, its priority remains stabilising rice prices.
Pichai reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring farmers have sustainable long-term incomes through improved product development and export expansion, rather than relying solely on short-term financial aid.

Pichai reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring farmers have sustainable long-term incomes through improved product development and export expansion, rather than relying solely on short-term financial aid.

Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan has dismissed claims that the government is encouraging farmers to replace rice cultivation with banana farming, saying such assertions are “simply inaccurate”. 

Speaking on a television news show on Thursday, Pichai clarified that the government is exploring ways to ease the plight of rice farmers, which he dubbed the “suffering of the nation”, and implementing urgent measures to address falling rice prices. 

The recent slump in rice prices has been linked to India resuming its rice exports, increasing global supply. In response, the Thai government has introduced a short-term financial aid of 1,000 baht per rai, capped at 10 rai per household. This was implemented after consultations with rice farmers through the National Rice Policy Committee. 

For medium and long-term solutions, the government is focusing on improving agricultural productivity and market access. The Commerce Ministry has planted 150,000 banana trees as a pilot project, targeting the high-demand Japanese market. 

Simultaneously, efforts are underway to enhance rice yields, which currently stand at 600 to 800 kilograms per rai – far lower than Vietnam’s 1.3 to 1.5 tonnes per rai. 

Market expansion remains a priority, with Thailand securing recent orders for 280,000 tonnes of rice from China and 390,000 tonnes from African nations. Additional measures include discussions with other rice-exporting nations to stabilise prices and new strategies to distribute Thai rice through modern trade channels. 

Pichai reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring farmers have sustainable long-term incomes through improved product development and export expansion, rather than relying solely on short-term financial aid. 

The ministry monitors agricultural prices daily, emphasising that rice remains Thailand’s staple crop, with no plans for a large-scale shift to alternative farming. 

Pichai Naripthaphan:

Pichai Naripthaphan:

“It’s not about switching from rice to bananas,” he said. “In areas where bananas can be grown profitably, farmers can consider them as an additional source of income. But we are not pushing for a nationwide switch.” 

H.D

nationthailand

Low carbon farming 'essential' for climate goals

Low carbon farming 'essential' for climate goals

(VAN) Low carbon farming practices are 'essential' to meeting Northern Ireland's climate goals, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) says.

The Southeast Asia region's blue carbon storage

The Southeast Asia region's blue carbon storage

(VAN) In the Southeast Asia region, tropical blue carbon storage is denser, more extensive, and under increased human pressure, particularly in relation to mangroves and seagrass.

China’s corn imports slow to a crawl putting forecasts in doubt

China’s corn imports slow to a crawl putting forecasts in doubt

(VAN) Chinese corn imports are running at their slowest pace in seven seasons, suggesting that even scaled back forecasts for annual purchases may prove hard to reach.

Mechanizing the coffee industry for sustainable export

Mechanizing the coffee industry for sustainable export

(VAN) Applying mechanization and full traceability will help the Vietnamese coffee industry quickly adapt to the EUDR and maintain its position in the market.

Tech, talent needed to boost food security

Tech, talent needed to boost food security

(VAN) China is pushing to better align agricultural science and technology with industry needs to enhance productivity and strengthen national food security, political advisers said during the annual two sessions meetings.

Five breakthrough solutions of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment help grow 4.0% or more

Five breakthrough solutions of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment help grow 4.0% or more

(VAN) Minister Do Duc Duy had many important directions for the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to implement breakthrough solutions in 2025.

Deputy Minister Vo Van Hung: Five ‘leverages’ to advance circular, sustainable, and multi-valued agriculture

Deputy Minister Vo Van Hung: Five ‘leverages’ to advance circular, sustainable, and multi-valued agriculture

(VAN) The fundamental principle that propels Vietnam's agriculture toward a new era of development is innovation and green growth, which are more sustainable and effective.

Read more