Ministry of Agriculture stepping up efforts to improve rubber price
In addressing the falling price of para rubber, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is urging the wider use of rubber by local government offices. Meanwhile, the Ministry is also looking into ways of reducing rubber tapping activity and to have the Ministry of Commerce establish a pricing committee.
 |
Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Krisada Boonrach has delivered its policy on boosting the price of para rubber, at a meeting arranged by the Local Administrative Organization Department, calling on local administrative organizations to heed a call to use more locally grown rubber made by the Cabinet on December 12, 2017.
After the meeting, Krisada announced that provincial administrations such as of Bueng Kan and Songkla have already begun to increase rubber use but admitted some offices lack the funding to fully give assistance. A memo has been circulated to the offices outlining the types of rubber that are to be used and their source, to ensure the greatest benefit from the effort.
The target this year is to reduce a stockpile of 4.5 million tons of rubber down to 4 million. A restriction on further tree planting is already in force and farmers are being encouraged to turn to alternative crops.
A reduction in rubber tapping is also being sought; it is to last for three months and cover 3 million rai of land.
Nevertheless, the ministry is determined not to impact market mechanisms and is seeking discussions with the Ministry of Commerce on the establishment of a rubber pricing committee consisting of public, private and farming sector representatives.
The issue of fair rubber pricing may be brought up at a meeting with Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia on March 2.