Bangkok: The Ministry of Agriculture is advancing the implementation of integrated fertilizer strategies to combat fertilizer shortages and high prices.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is focusing on a 70:30 mixed fertilizer formula to address the volatile fertilizer price crisis and potential shortages due to the Middle East situation. A meeting with relevant agencies is scheduled to expedite a framework for aiding farmers, reducing production costs, and decreasing dependence on imported fertilizers.
Mr. Rapeephat Chantarasriwong, Director-General of the Department of Agriculture, announced that a meeting will take place with the Department of Rice, Department of Agricultural Extension, Department of Land Development, and the Office of Agricultural Economics to hasten the Ministry's policy implementations. This comes after a meeting led by Mr. Winairoj Sapsongsook, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, who urged rapid action to support farmers affected by rising fertilizer and energy costs.
The strategy involves promoting a shift in fertilizer use to a 70:30 ratio of chemical to organic and bio-fertilizers. This aims to cut production costs, enhance fertilizer effectiveness, and improve soil quality over time, while promoting use based on soil analysis tailored to specific crops and conditions.
Mr. Rapeephat emphasized knowledge transfer to farmers regarding integrated fertilizer use at the local level, ensuring correct application based on soil and crop types. The organic and bio-fertilizers promoted are registered with the Department of Agriculture, guaranteeing quality and standards. This initiative aims to lower production costs and mitigate risks from global fertilizer market fluctuations.
The Department of Agriculture continues to regulate fertilizer quality and collaborates with relevant agencies to combat illegal, counterfeit, and substandard fertilizers, protecting farmers and consumers.
The Director-General stressed the importance of lawful business practices during fertilizer shortages, cautioning against the sale of substandard products, which could harm agricultural production and sector confidence.
Ms. Sumitra Wattana, Director-General of the Department of Land Development, noted the department's efforts under the "Knowing the Soil, Reducing Chemical Fertilizers, Towards Sustainable Agriculture" initiative, involving precise fertilizer recommendations and knowledge transfer within three months.
In partnership with the Department of Internal Trade, the Ministry implements the 'Green Flag Plus Fertilizer' project, connecting farmers with quality fertilizers at reasonable prices, while promoting soil-based fertilizer use for improved efficiency.
Previously, Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, highlighted the need to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers due to potential supply issues, particularly urea. With postponed imports from Russia and volatile global prices, the Ministry is preparing a budget proposal exceeding 5 billion baht for organic fertilizer distribution to reduce chemical use and production costs in line with government policy.