Kalasin farmers face rising fertilizer costs and yield concerns

Farmers in Kalasin province are facing significant financial strain due to the high cost of chemical fertilizers, which are currently priced between 1,100 and 1,200 THB per 50kg bag. Some farmers reported that using credit services adds an additional 150 THB per bag.

Due to these rising costs, many farmers lack the necessary capital to fertilize their crops adequately. This has resulted in stunted rice growth, yellowing leaves, and increased weed coverage in various fields. Farmers expressed concerns that insufficient fertilization will lead to lower crop yields.

To mitigate these challenges, local farmers are calling on the government to implement price controls on fertilizers and establish a guaranteed purchase price for paddy rice between 8,000 and 9,000 THB per ton to ensure profitability amidst rising production costs.