Thailand Launches Rice Price Support Measures for 2026/27 Harvest
The Ministry of Agriculture has introduced two new credit schemes and emergency funding to support rice cooperatives during the 2026/27 harvest season.
The Thai Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has officially launched its rice price support strategy for the 2026/27 production year. According to a report by Prachachat Business, the initiative kicked off in Roi Et province, focusing on utilizing cooperative mechanisms to stabilize rice prices and strengthen the bargaining power of local farmers. The government has introduced two primary credit schemes designed to facilitate the collection of paddy rice and encourage farmers to delay sales during periods of market volatility. To ensure liquidity, the Ministry has also prepared emergency reserve funds from the Cooperative Development Fund, which will allow cooperatives to purchase produce while awaiting the disbursement of formal credit lines. For residents and those involved in the agricultural sector, these measures are intended to prevent a sharp decline in income for rice farmers during the peak harvest season. While the government has confirmed the rollout of these financial tools, the long-term impact on market prices and the total volume of rice successfully stabilized through these cooperative channels remain to be confirmed as the harvest progresses.
