Rising rice prices delights PM

BANGKOK, Jan 20 (TNA) -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed his happiness over appreciating prices for unmilled rice. The Government Spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd announced that Gen Prayut has been informed of the outcome of the executive conference titled 'Sustainable Future of Thai Rice' hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives to pool opinions and inputs involving Thai rice. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Thai Rice Exporters Association and Thai Farmers Association who met with related government officials. The spokesman said the premier was satisfied to know that current rice prices is the highest in several years appreciating by 35- 40 per cent on average. This stems from the joint effort of all involved not least from farmers who have taken onboard the government's reforms and adopted changes to their annual crop planting schemes. The recent results have shown that the government's efforts to introduce programs to increase crop yield while lowering overheads is bearing fruit. Accordingly, the spokesman forwarded the PM's gratitude to all involved for making higher rice prices a reality. Furthermore, he revealed that he has also received positive feedback from the Thai Rice Millers Association who said that the government was moving in right direction in solving national rice concerns. The spokesman said the Gen Prayut advises rice farmers, millers and rice traders to inculcate the lessons learned from recent developments to ensure a solid future for Thai rice. The PM said that everyone must remember what has made the recent achievements a reality and be aware that the government was committed to helping all farmers. (END)