(QNO) – The expected impact of El Nino – a weather phenomenon that causes drought and high temperatures that can affect crop production in many countries including Thailand.
According to the Bangkok Post, Thailand - the world's second largest rice exporter (after India) requires its farmers to plant 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 will start a little later with an intermittent rain in June.
Thailand's National Office of Water Resources (ONWR) has just recommended that farmers grow drought-tolerant crops or switch to other occupations temporarily if possible. ONWR also informs households and industry about water shortages if the drought situation worsens.
According to Bloomberg, El Nino contributed to the scorching heat in Southeast Asia in recent weeks, as well as posing a threat to other crops Thailand produces, such as palm oil. , cocoa and sugar cane.
According to a Thai trader, Thailand's sugar production may fall to the second lowest level since the 2009-2010 crop year starting in October.
The Thai government has just taken several steps to mitigate El Nino's impact on rice production including providing financial support to farmers to purchase water-saving irrigation equipment and develop rice varieties. term tolerance.
Meanwhile, ONWR develops a plan to manage water levels in dams and reservoirs, and urges farmers to cooperate with authorities to overcome difficulties caused by the current weather.
Like Thailand, many other rice-producing countries in Asia such as Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines may experience reduced output and higher prices due to unusual weather. The global rice market could see more scarce supply and increased volatility due to El Nino.
Rice is the staple food for more than half of the world's population, and any disruption in rice supply or prices 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, affecting atmospheric circulation and precipitation worldwide, especially in regions of the world. tropical and subtropical.
El Niño often brings hot, dry conditions to Southeast Asia, reducing rainfall and increasing the risk of drought and wildfires.
