Bangkok: The National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) has approved four measures to support farmers during the 2025/2026 rice season, allocating a budget of 50 billion baht. According to Thai News Agency, the National Rice Policy Committee (NRCT) has outlined these measures to stabilize paddy prices, ensure long-term farmer income, and promote suitable production practices. Mr. Witthayakon Maneenet, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, disclosed that the measures were approved during a meeting chaired by Mr. Pichai Chunhavachira, Deputy Prime Minister. The initiatives include a loan project to defer the sale of wet-season rice, allowing farmers to store rice for up to five months, with a storage fee provided. This measure targets 3 million tons of rice, with the government setting loan prices for various rice types. Another measure includes a loan project for rice collection and value-added creation by agricultural institutions, offering low-interest loans targeting 1.5 mill ion tons of rice. Additionally, an interest compensation project for rice traders in stockpiling rice aims to store 4 million tons, with the government compensating interest costs. The fourth measure focuses on supporting farmers and promoting cultivation suitable for the area's potential. Financial assistance will be provided to farmers, along with support for production costs via the BAAC Mobile app. Assistance will also be given to adjust unsuitable rice planting areas. A joint subcommittee will be established by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the Ministry of Commerce, and other relevant agencies to set criteria before submitting them to the Cabinet for final approval. Efforts are also underway to support dry season rice farmers in 2025 with a separate financial assistance project. The meeting highlighted the need for the Department of Internal Trade and the Department of Foreign Trade to explore new distribution channels for Thai rice in foreign markets. The global rice production for 20 25/2026 is projected to slightly increase, with consumption trends indicating a possible rise in global rice prices. However, risks such as natural disasters and exporting country policies remain concerns. In Thailand, 96% of dry season rice has been harvested, while the wet season rice is projected to cover 61.95 million rai with increased production due to adequate water supply. Despite a decline in domestic rice demand, driven partly by reduced per capita consumption, rice exports from January to May 2025 accounted for 41% of the annual target, facing challenges from price competition and slower imports in key markets.