FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops and Shortages 06/02 - THAILAND (4 June)
Planting of the 2002 main season crops and harvesting of the second season paddy crop are underway. Reflecting below normal rains in the first quarter of 2002 production of the second season paddy crop is estimated to decline from last year by some 6 percent to 5.7 million tonnes. Total paddy output in 2001 is estimated at an above-average level of 25.3 million tonnes (16.75 million tonnes in milled rice), including 19.6 million tonnes from the main crop harvested until January 2002. As a result of a slight reduction in the area planted, the 2002 maize crop, now being sown, is forecast to decrease by about 10 percent to 4 million tonnes.
Exports or rice in 2002 are currently forecast at about 8 million tonnes, some 7 percent higher than the record 7.5 million tonnes exported last year.
The intervention price for 5 percent and 25 percent broken grade rice has been set at 4 880 baht (US$ 112.30) per tonne and 4 500 baht (US$ 103.57) per tonne, respectively.