(QNO) - The expected impact of El Nino - a weather phenomenon that causes drought and high temperatures - could affect crop production in many countries including Thailand.
According to the Bangkok Post, Thailand - the world's second largest rice exporter (after India) has asked its farmers to grow only one rice crop this year, instead of the usual two, to save water and avoid crop failure due to El Nino.
Thai weather experts predict that the rainy season in Thailand usually begins in the third week of May, but this year it will start a little later with an intermittent spell of rain in June.
Thailand’s Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) has advised farmers to plant drought-resistant crops or switch to other temporary occupations if possible. ONWR has also warned of water shortages for households and industry if the drought worsens.
El Nino has contributed to the scorching heat that has scorched Southeast Asia in recent weeks, as well as posing a threat to other crops that Thailand produces, such as palm oil, cocoa and sugarcane, Bloomberg reported.
Thailand's sugar output could fall to its second-lowest level since the 2009-2010 crop year starting next October, according to a Thai trader.
The Thai government has taken several steps to mitigate the impact of El Nino on rice production, including providing financial support to farmers to purchase water-saving irrigation equipment and developing drought-tolerant rice varieties.
Meanwhile, ONWR is developing plans to manage water levels in dams and reservoirs, and is calling on farmers to work with authorities to overcome the difficulties caused by the current weather.
Like Thailand, many other rice-producing countries in Asia such as Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines could see reduced production and higher prices due to unusual weather. The global rice market could see tighter supplies and increased volatility due to El Nino.
Rice is a staple food for more than half the world's population and any disruption in its supply or price could have serious consequences for food security and inflation.
El Nino is a natural phenomenon that occurs every few years when the surface temperature of the Pacific Ocean rises above normal levels, affecting atmospheric circulation and rainfall worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical regions.
El Nino typically brings hot, dry conditions to Southeast Asia, reducing rainfall and increasing the risk of drought and wildfires.
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