September 23, 2010

Thai's Chiang Mai corn farmers call for fair prices

Corn growers in Thailand's Chiang Mai are demanding assistance from the government, as they say corn prices are too low.

Around 100 corn farmers from the Mae Chaem district, led by Thanomsak Phithakham, have submitted a letter of complaint to the deputy provincial governor.

The farmers are asking that the government offer price guarantees of THB10 (US$0.33) per kilogramme as stated in the Cabinet agreement, and for a committee to be set up to prevent land invasion.

They are also asking that new farmers be allowed to register with the government and that the road to Mae Chaem district be improved as the current path is dangerously narrow.

Deputy Provincial Governor Chumpon Saengmanee accepted the complaints and vowed to address the issues as soon as possible.