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| The Failed Guaranteed-Price Scheme |
| UPDATE : 10 March 2010 |
The first one is that some politicians are behind the farmers' movements, encouraging the already-suffering farmers to protest against the current guaranteed-price scheme and call on the government to raise the rice prices.
The other is a problem that deals with the guaranteed-price scheme itself, which fails to pay compensation for the low prices within the prescribed period, as promised by the government.
As for the first case, if the government gets tough with these politicians, the problem should not be difficult to solve. This is because most of the farmers need not wait for the cue to make a move. They already sold their rice at the price well lower than the government’s guaranteed buying price.
However, the more important issue is how effective of the guaranteed-price scheme is, especially the payment of compensation.
The program will not work if the government is not capable of paying subsidies to all registered farmers in a timely manner.
Earlier, there were suggestions that in order for the program to deliver successfully, the government must pay great attention to three areas which include the registration of farmers, the output of crops, and fast and accurate compensation payment.
There have been so many cases that nicely-crafted policies don't work due to impracticality. Therefore, it is even more important for the government to make sure that things go as planned when it comes to grand projects which involve a large portion of the population.
And this will also prove the government’s capability.
Editorial, Khao Sod newspaper, March 9th, page 2
Translated and edited by Wacharapol Isaranont
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