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((PLAYBOOK SLUG: THAILAND-UKRAINE-RICE
HEAD: Thai Rice Demand Predicted to Rise as Ukraine War Continues
TEASER: Thai economists say demand for this year’s rice production is set to rise driven by the war in Ukraine
PUBLISHED AT: Tuesday, 06/28/2022 at 6:00am
BYLINE: Steve Sandford
DATELINE: CHIANG MAI, THAILAND
CAMERA: Steve Sandford
VIDEO EDITOR: Steve Sandford
VIDEO FROM: VOA original
EDITORS: Salem Solomon, wpm
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV X RADIO __
TRT: 2:26
VID APPROVED BY: wpm
TYPE: TVPKG
EDITOR NOTES:
((INTRO))
[[Amid concerns about wheat shortages in Russia and Ukraine, Thai economists say demand for this year’s rice production is set to rise, driven by the war in Ukraine and its impact on rising global commodity prices. For VOA, Steve Sandford spoke to Thai experts about the expected increases, along with the added challenges for rice producers and workers.]]
((NARRATOR))
It’s the annual rice planting season here in Thailand, the world’s third highest exporter of the crop, behind India and Vietnam.
While analysts predict Europe’s wheat shortage will help increase profits for rice producers as a substitute crop, many in the labor force face other obstacles.
((Prajuk Kantiya, Farm Labor Manager (in Thai)))
“I want the government to help us, farmers, more, not just help the middleman, because we’re investing more money into this business than they are. Fertilizers are expensive, the cost of workers is high, and it’s not worth it.”
((NARRATOR))
A weak Thai baht has helped make rice export prices more attractive, but the long-term sustainability of increased rice production raises questions.
Economist Nisit Panthamit points out the need for a balanced plan and better technology that will encourage and support the next generation of farmers in Thailand, beyond Ukraine’s crisis.
((Nisit Panthamit, Economics Professor, Chiang Mai University ((in English))
“The income of the farmer should be better and going up in the long run … but the productivity, how can you reduce the risk, reduce the cost of production that will be a sustainable way of farmers to gain on the world levels?”
((NARRATOR))
To cut costs for Thailand’s future farmers, government research centers are exploring new technology such as seeds adoptable to the effects of climate change and using drones for crops irrigation.
But other expenses that come as a result of Russia’s invasion and the fallout from trade restrictions and price hikes remain a problem.
((Nipon Boonmee, Chiang Mai Rice Research Center (in Thai)))
“As the price of the rice goes up, the amount of money we use to invest in supplies, like gas and fertilizer, will also increase, which it has. A bag of fertilizer used to cost 600 baht, now it’s 1,000 baht. It’s no surprise that the cost of buying rice has increased.”
((NARRATOR))
As Thailand’s prime minister announces plans to talk with Vietnam for a joint global price increase, questions remain as to who will benefit, in the end.
((Prajuk Kantiya, Farm Labor Manager (in Thai)))
“I think there will be a higher demand for rice supplies because of all the war that's going on. I’d be grateful if I could get a good price on rice.”
((Steve Sandford, for VOA News, Chiang Mai, Thailand))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateJune 29, 2022 06:08 EDT
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
