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Published on April 16, 2008

"Finally, the productivity of Thai farmers remains very poor compared to those in other countries. Farmers in the US, Japan, Korea and China are the most productive, while those in Thailand, Cambodia, Burma and Nigeria are the least productive.

"Thailand has the fifth largest amount of rice acreage in the world, so if the country could raise its productivity to that of Bangladesh, it would increase output by 39 per cent, and 83 per cent if as productive as Indonesia."

Please allow me to offer you another perspective why rice productivity in Thailand is low.

The primary reason for this has nothing to do with the productivity of Thai farmers per se. Rather, it is because the particular rice strain commonly grown by them, namely jasmine rice, has a much lower yield compared to other strains. However, the price for jasmine rice is up to 3 times higher than that of other strains in the world market.

Thai rice has always been regarded as a high-end product and productivity was never the goal in the first place. It is the fragrance and texture that customers in overseas markets appreciate.

I am very certain that if Thai farmers elected to grow a high yield rice strain, they would be as productive as farmers in other countries.

When I read the sentence "the productivity of Thai farmers remains very poor", I felt that it carried a somewhat condescending attitude towards them.

Paruj (one name given)

Bangkok

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Spread the word - it's time for a little Songkran sanity

I understand the reason for the Songkran Festival is to cleanse the

body of bad luck with water (but not to commit bodily harm). A recent newspaper quote read: "Songkran revellers who cause fatal road accidents may be charged: Samak"

As I was travelling home on my motorcycle at 50 kilometres an hour, I had a 5-litre bucket of water thrown in my face. I wear glasses and this attack swept them off and caused me to swerve and hit the kerb. If it were not for a very alert motorist following me, I would have been another one added to the death toll.

"Revellers should be warned not to throw water at motorcyclists or other road users." Why is this not publicised more?

Peter Jon

Chiang Rai

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All is not lost, rice farmers just need to work harder

Excellent, Thanong … you've spun yet another insight on the impact of global factors on Thailand's economy.

I agree that the Thai rice farmer is getting screwed, but as a country, we should survive the global food crisis, especially if we can be more productive.

Larry

Bangkok

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