Rice agenda needs unity

The Thai Rice Exporters Association recently revised its estimation of Thai rice exports this year to five million tonnes, the lowest in 20 years, from a previous projection of 6.5 million tonnes.

In contrast, India’s Rice Exporters Association estimates the country’s rice exports will jump by nearly 42% this year to record highs of 14 million tonnes, from 9.9 million last year, securing the throne of the world’s largest exporter of rice.

Vietnam, the third-biggest global exporter, has an opportunity to surpass Thailand in rice exports this year. According to Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the country exported around 6.5-6.7 million tonnes of rice in 2020. What are the problems with Thai rice production?

OPED