Thailand will export 7 million tons of rice next year, while production will be as high as 38 million tons, predicts nation's Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives

Nevin Barich

December 17, 2013 (Thai News Service) – The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives predicts that Thailand will export 7 million tons of rice next year, while rice production in the country will be as high as 38 million tons.

According to Minister of Agriculture Yukol Limlamthong, there are over 3 billion rice consumers around the world, mostly in Asia. As the market has a tendency to grow wider and wider, it is essential that Thai farmers have the knowledge to enhance rice productivity in order for Thailand to be more competitive in the world market, says Mr. Yukol.

Thailand, according to the minister, is more advantageous than its competitors in terms of research which has helped add the value to Thai rice.

The minister believes that Thailand will next year export 7 million tons of rice, an amount close to this year's figure, adding that the country's total rice output in 2014 will be 38 million tons.

The minister is also calling for grouping of rice producing countries in order for them to gain higher negotiating power in the world stage.

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