Abhisit hits at farm policy
The government is on the right track in promoting innovation and technology, but seems to be ignoring the need to enhance the farm sector, says former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.
Mr Abhisit said the government has not yet come up with clear-cut measures for how to upgrade the agriculture sector, which plays a vital part in the Thai economy.
“The focus on digital economy development, promotion of business tech startups, and the Thailand 4.0 initiative follows global trends, but there is no clear policy to address income distribution in the farm sector, increasing farmers’ income in the long run,” he said.
Statistics show most farmers have yet to gain any benefits from the economic recovery.
The National Economic and Social Development Board reported on Monday employment in the farm sector declined for the sixth straight month in the second quarter, while employment in non-agricultural sectors increased by 1.4% as construction, transport and tourism added jobs.
A University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce survey released this month found most farmers have yet to benefit from a recovering farm sector and higher prices for certain crops and livestock.
Prices of maize, sugar, tapioca and oil palm rose in tandem with oil prices, while natural rubber rose in line with synthetic rubber prices. Despite the higher prices, the survey found most farmers barely benefited as the recent widespread drought hurt production. Rice farmers are also transitioning to other crops in accordance with government policy.
Next year’s crop prices remain worrisome and are largely reliant on world economic conditions and oil prices, which are picked to average US$50-60 per barrel.
Mr Abhisit said the government may need to amend laws and regulations to allow community-based enterprises easier access to loans, while asking the private sector to function as distribution channels for farmers, such as via modern trade.
“Low unemployment or inflation rates doesn’t mean the economy is healthy,” he said.