According to a forecast released recently by the Kasikorn Research Center (KRC), due to the impact of the El Nino weather phenomenon, Thailand's rice production in the main crop of 2023 may be reduced by about 6%, reaching only 25,1 to 25,6 million tons.
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| Thailand's rice production in 2023 may be affected by the El Nino phenomenon. (Photo: Thai PBS) |
KRC predicts that, in 2023, together with 7,6 million tons in the second crop, Thailand's total rice production will be between 32,7 and 33,2 million tons, just enough for domestic consumption and export, slightly higher than last year. The agency warned that rice production could fall further if the drought persists and causes more damage to the harvest season.
The KRC also expressed concern that if the El Nino phenomenon lasts any longer this year, it could cause water levels in many reservoirs to drop sharply, thereby affecting both farming crops next year. The KRC urges relevant agencies to quickly adjust their water management plans to ensure there is enough water for crop irrigation and other purposes.
However, KRC said that due to attractive export prices and world demand for Thai rice, many farmers still want to plant a second rice crop, despite the risk of water shortages.
Meanwhile, the Royal Irrigation Department of Thailand called on farmers in the Chao Phraya River basin to stop cultivating a second rice crop. The Department said that there are currently about 19,6 million m3 water, including 7 million m3 from the Chao Phraya River basin, has been discharged into 1,59 million hectares of rice fields under the 2022-2023 water management plan.
