Chaliew Noisaeng, a farmers' leader in Chai Nat, says the government has it wrong. Maize is not a good alternative crop, because it doesn't grow well on soil best suited to rice. The scheme aims to prod farmers in those provinces to grow maize on 2 million rai. The Chai Nat farmers' leader said the government should have provided grants to farmers, at a rate of 3,000 baht per rai, if it really wanted them to stop planting rice. The government should ascertain the views of farmers, or listen to their problems, before implementing any policy, the Chai Nat farmers’ leader said.

Source: Bangkok Post November 16, 2016 10:48 UTC