Thailand urged farmers to reduce rice cultivation to save water, after small amounts of rain fell, in a move that represents a new threat to global rice supplies after India banned the export of some types of rice.
“Bloomberg” agency said that Surasree Kidtmonton, Secretary-General of the National Water Resources Office of Thailand, said in a statement that farmers in the main region in the center of the country have already planted most of their rice crop, but the government is encouraging them to switch to other crops that require less water.
Thailand, the second largest exporter of rice in the world, is witnessing less rain, as it prepares for a possible drought next year in light of the escalating repercussions of the “Nino” weather phenomenon.
India, the world’s largest rice exporter, has announced banning the export of non-basmati white rice “with immediate effect”, in a decision that could lead to a rise in international rice prices.
India’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Food said in July that the ban should help ensure supplies for Indian consumers and “mitigate price hikes in the domestic market”.
It added that India’s exports of non-basmati white rice rose by 35 percent year-on-year
