Commerce Ministry discusses with rice mills to ensure good rice prices for farmers

NONTHABURI, June 7 (TNA) – The Commerce Ministry discussed with the Thai Rice Mills Association on the plan to ensure farmers receive good prices from selling rice, expected to be released to the market late this year. After talks with the association and representatives from rice millers nationwide to evaluate the situation of rice production and the rice markets, Wiboonlasana Ruamraksa, the permanent-secretary of the Commerce Ministry said according to an initial assessment, farmers in the Northeast will harvest good yield due to increased rainfall. The commerce ministry will work with the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry to closely monitor the rice produce in order to layout proper plans for farmers. Meanwhile, Thai rice tends to fetch good prices this year as some other countries have been affected by flood and Thailand has received more orders from other countries including Iran. The Commerce Ministry also gears up to raise the standard of rice mills to operate under good governance. So far, out of all 1,000 rice mills across the country, about 100 certificated rice mills have been given star signs from the ministry. Those rice mills are required to have clear signs, showing rice prices and they plan to provide equipment for weight and moisture content measurement at cooperatives or the community center for farmers to check their rice quality before selling to ensure fair prices. (TNA)