Thailand’s Rice Production Finally Rebounds after 2 Years of Drought

According to a Global Agricultural Information Network report Thailand’s rice production is expected to rebound in the 2021-22 market year. The good news for Thailand comes after the Kingdom being challenged with a two-year drought.

Favorable weather and adequate water supply boost Thailand’s rice production forecast to 21 million tonnes in the 2021-22 marketing year. Thailand’s rice consumption is also to increase based on an anticipated tourist increase in 2022 following the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the US Department of Agriculture does expect rice exports may be challenged by noncompetitive Thai rice prices, shipping container shortages and high transportation costs. Thailand’s rice exports totaled 1.13 million tonnes between January 2021 – March 2021, down 23% from the same period last year.

Thailand to regain world’s biggest rice exporter position

Meanwhile,…