The Thai government has officially urged farmers to register as rice growers for the upcoming crop season and take advantage of financial support aimed at bolstering agricultural productivity. This initiative was communicated on March 1, 2025, by Deputy Government Spokesman Anukool Pruksa-Nusak.
According to him, the National Rice Policy and Management Committee (NRPMC) has approved direct financial assistance to rice farmers, providing 1,000 baht per rai, with support limited to 10 rai per household. The budget allocated for this program amounts to approximately 2.87 billion baht, intended to provide immediate relief to farmers grappling with declining rice prices.
Under the outlined scheme, farmers must register as rice growers to qualify for the assistance. Anukool noted, “The compensation for rice farmers affected by falling prices has become necessary, especially since we’ve never offered such direct aid for the rice cropping season before.” He stressed the importance of registering by April 30, 2025, to benefit from the program.
Last year, 320,000 households, covering around 5.5 million rai, registered as rice growers, but only 230,000 households or 4 million rai have registered for 2025 so far. Farmers who have yet to register can do so via this website until the end of April.
Alongside the financial aid, the government has set clear conditions for receiving the assistance, stating, “Farmers must adjust their production structure.” The NRPMC has set up working groups involving various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, local authorities, and representatives from agricultural sectors, to implement best practices for rice cultivation.
Anukool also pointed out the government’s recommendation for farmers to shift their growing strategies, perhaps integrating more economically viable crops or ensuring they use high-yield, market-demand rice varieties if they choose to continue rice farming.
This program reflects the government's continued commitment to addressing agricultural challenges and supporting the livelihood of farmers, especially during economic hardships exacerbated by fluctuated commodity prices. The goal is not just immediate financial relief but also long-term agricultural sustainability through structural adjustments and diversification.
By promoting the use of high-demand crop varieties and supporting farmers through this financial assistance, the efficiency and viability of rice production within the country can potentially improve. Concerned authorities hope to prevent future losses for farmers and stabilize the agricultural sector.
“Our efforts aim to create resilience among farmers facing adversity due to low rice prices. This project's conditionalities are structured to encourage practices aligned with market needs,” added Anukool.
Engaging farmers to improve agricultural practices is seen as pivotal not only for their financial security but also for the broader economic outlook of Thailand’s agricultural sector. Farmers are elated at the news, seeing the direct financial aid as potentially transformative during these challenging economic times.
While the immediate responses to the program seem positive, it is yet to be seen how effectively farmers will adjust their practices to align with the government’s vision for sustainable agriculture.
Further updates on the implementation of this initiative and its impacts on local agriculture are expected as the deadline for registration approaches and the program rolls out.