Phetchabun: “Chatuporn” has directed the opening of corn purchasing factories this Friday, confirming purchase prices between 7.05 and 9.80 baht per kilogram. This move comes in response to urgent meetings held with animal feed corn farmers and producers to address the ongoing issue of falling corn prices.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chatuporn Buruspat, the Minister of Commerce, convened with representatives of corn farmers, product collectors, and related agencies in Phetchabun Province. The meeting was a response to farmer protests demanding government intervention in low corn prices. It culminated in a resolution by the Animal Feed Corn Policy and Management Committee (AFMC) to purchase corn with varying moisture content at specified rates. The agreed price is 7.05 baht per kilogram for corn with up to 30% moisture content and 9.80 baht per kilogram for corn with up to 14% moisture content.

Mr. Chatuporn emphasized that the government is actively addressing the issue, noting the discrepancy between rising production costs, which average 6,600 baht per rai, and the current selling price of 5.30 baht per kilogram for farmers. The government is making efforts to reduce production costs through initiatives like the Green Flag program. Furthermore, the Minister assured that domestic corn production would be prioritized before considering imports, specifically mentioning that negotiations with the United States are not yet underway.

Farmers in Phetchabun Province expressed satisfaction with the discussions, highlighting the Minister’s commitment to alleviating their hardships. The Minister’s directive to open factories for purchasing fresh corn at 7.05 baht per kilogram is seen as a positive development. The ongoing decline in corn prices, despite only 20% of production entering the market, has been attributed to the halt in purchases by many animal feed factories, which has adversely affected farmer confidence and purchasing power.