Bangkok: "Suriya" is preparing to propose to the Cabinet an increase in the subsidy of 1,000 baht per rai to help over 230,000 farming households that have been left without assistance. The Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives stated that he will propose to the Cabinet next week an increase in the budget for the rice farmer assistance project for the 2025/2026 crop year by 1,846.96 million baht. This will allow for a payment of 1,000 baht per rai to 233,729 farming households that have not yet received assistance. He also announced that discussions on assistance measures for rice farmers for the 2026/2027 crop year will be held this month.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Suriya Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, revealed that following the National Rice Policy and Management Committee's (NRPMC) approval to expand the budget for the rice farmer assistance project for the 2025/2026 crop year, as proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, to assist 233,729 farming households that have not yet received the support measure of 1,000 baht per rai, up to a maximum of 10,000 baht per household, with a total budget of 1,846.96 million baht, the related procedures have now been completed.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is therefore preparing to submit the matter to the Cabinet meeting next week for consideration of expanding the budget framework and expediting the payment of outstanding assistance to farmers from the previous production season. Regarding measures to support and promote rice farmers in the 2026/2027 production season, Mr. Sarawut Nuengjamnong, Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, stated that relevant agencies are currently preparing for the meeting of the National Rice Policy and Management Subcommittee on Production.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is ready to present information and assistance guidelines for farmers for consideration, as the rice harvest season for the 2026/2027 crop year has begun. A meeting of the National Rice Policy Committee's production subcommittee is expected to be held in September to consider measures to support rice farmers for the current production season.