January 17, 2021

Surging pork prices in Thailand possibly caused by supply hogging

Prapat Pothasuthon, Thailand's Deputy Agriculture Minister said surging prices of pork in the country was possibly because of traders hogging suppliers, rather than African Swine Fever (ASF), AFP reported.

He said ASF may only be somewhat to blame for the soaring prices.

Prapat said 350,000 piglets were raised in Thailand in 2021 and the total number of swine slaughtered has not declined. Because of this, he said the answer for rising pork prices could be because of supplies hogged during the November to December 2021 festive season.

Prapat said the Agriculture Ministry and Commerce Ministry are working together to investigate the increased prices.

As for ASF, Prapat said the Department of Livestock Development (DLD) will monitor for signs of ASF outbreaks at at-risk areas, adding that livestock officials will assist small scale swine farmers to intensify prevention measures.

-      AFP