Direct-sale rice markets spring up in growing areas

Provincial govt & military create markets for farmers to sell rice direct to consumers, even helping out with the harvest in some cases.

AGRICULTURE & FOOD

Direct-sale rice markets spring up in growing areas

4/11/2016
Post reporters

Markets enabling farmers to get a better return by selling their rice directly to buyers are springing up in major growing areas of the North and Northeast, as millers and major traders continue to offer low payment for paddy.

FARMER DIRECT SALE OF RICE TO CONSUMERS IN FRONT OF PROVINCIAL HALL

In Phitsanulok province, tents were set up in front of the provincial hall, without charge, for farmers wanting to sell milled paddy directly to consumers.

Provincial governor Supachai Iamsuwan said the market would continue for two months and could be extended if it proved to be successful.

"A market for direct sale, without relying on a middleman, is a good measure as prices are reasonable," the Phitsanulok governor said.

FARMER TRAINING ON RICE PACKAGING & DISTRIBUTION

He also planned to provide training for farmers on packaging and distribution of their rice.

Some farmers have even taken to e-commerce to cut out the middle man.

One farmer had received an online order for two tonnes of bagged rice, and a petrol station operator was were helping by buying then giving away a 5kg bag of rice to each customer buying at least 1,000 baht of fuel.

LOCAL COOPERATIVE RICE SOLD DIRECT TO HOUSEHOLDS, HOTELS & SCHOOLS

In Uttaradit province, the market was set up in front of the provincial government complex.

Farmers were selling rice milled by local agricultural cooperatives directly to households and other buyers, including local hotels, prisons and schools.

MAY EVEN EXPORT RICE TO CHINA & AUSTRALIA

Provincial governor Pipat Ekpapan said plans were also being made to export rice directly to China and Australia.

In Si Sa Ket province, similar markets were set up at all local PTT petrol stations, where farmers were selling rice processed by their own community mills.

100 BAHT FOR 3 TO 4 KILOGRAMMES OF RICE

Si Sa Ket governor Thawat Surabal said last year's Hom Mali rice was being sold  at 100 baht for 4 kilogrammes, and new harvest fragrant rice at 100 baht for 3 kg.

He had instructed all local government offices, food shop networks, schools and hospitals to buy rice directly from farmers.

The governor also allowed farmers to dry their harvested grain within the grounds of local schools, government offices and temples to ensure it fetched a good price.

In Phichit province, farmers were selling their certified organic rice directly to consumers at the daily market run by the provincial agricultural office. Sales were brisk, as in other provinces.

SOLDIERS HELPING IN RICE HARVEST & SALES

In Kalasin province, soldiers were helping growers reap their crop, saving them the cost of hired labour or a mechanised harvester

Lt Gen Apirat Kongsompong, the 1st Army chief, ordered units in his command to buy paddy and milled rice directly from farmers and their cooperatives.

Farmers could also sell their rice at markets in front of military bases, free of charge, in Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi provinces.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1127068/direct-sale-rice-markets-spring-up-in-growing-areas

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