BANGKOK, 3 September 2013 The Cabinet is to consider both short- and long-term measures aimed at tackling the issue of low rubber prices, in the hope of appealing to farmers in many provinces.
According to Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Yukhon Limlaemthong, the measures, which have already been approved by the natural rubber policy committee, will be deliberated by the Cabinet on Tuesday. For the short term, rubber farmers will receive 1,260 baht per rai of rubber trees being tapped, although the amount will be limited to 10 rai per farmer. Medium- and long-term measures include support for agricultural cooperatives in arranging for rubber processing, and the allocation of 20 billion baht of low-interest loans for the expansion of rubber production capacity and improvement of machinery.
Mr. Yukhon indicated that the measures can be carried out immediately after the Cabinet’s endorsement. He was confident most of the rubber farmers would agree to the government’s assistance scheme.
Source: NNT
