Bangkok: The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has announced a significant allocation of 2 billion baht aimed at managing agricultural products until 2027 and addressing potential risks posed by El Ni±o.
According to Thai News Agency, the National Agricultural Council (NACC) has endorsed a comprehensive 2 billion baht framework designed to aid farmers by 2027. This fund will underpin six vital measures focused on marketing and production, price stability, quality enhancement of agricultural products, and preparing for the possible effects of El Ni±o on agricultural yield from the end of this year into the next.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Supajee Suthamphan, disclosed the details following the inaugural meeting of the Committee on Agricultural Policy and Measures (CAPM) in 2026. The meeting sanctioned the operational framework for the Agricultural Assistance Fund for the fiscal year 2027, with a budget of 2 billion baht, aimed at supporting farmer-centric measures and managing the agricultural commodity landscape in 2027.
The framework includes six measures targeting both marketing strategies, to stabilize and enhance agricultural commodity prices, and production improvements, to refine production structures and elevate product quality. These measures span a wide array of agricultural sectors including field crops, oilseeds, fruits, root crops, livestock, fisheries, sea salt, flowers, ornamental plants, production inputs, and other essential commodities. This initiative ensures the government is equipped to handle agricultural commodity challenges and deliver prompt assistance to farmers.
Ms. Supajee emphasized the necessity for Thailand to brace for climate fluctuations, particularly the threat of El Ni±o, which could adversely impact agricultural output from late 2026 through 2027. Hence, proactive strategies in production, product management, marketing, and price stabilization are essential to ensure timely support for farmers in such scenarios.
Additionally, Ms. Supajee directed the mutual fund and associated agencies to act proactively and coordinate assistance effectively. The fund's utilization must consider cost-effectiveness and the direct benefits to farmers, with close monitoring of each project's performance to ensure the measures effectively address farmers' issues and requirements.
The meeting also tasked the Secretariat of the Agricultural Commodity Price Committee with collaborating with relevant entities to review and establish "leading target prices" for agricultural products, ensuring these prices are suitable. This data will serve as a reference for monitoring the agricultural product situation and formulating marketing assistance measures. A thorough evaluation of production, marketing, costs, and price conditions is crucial to ensure measures align with real-world conditions and deliver maximum benefit to farmers.