The Ministry of Commerce has announced a campaign to ease the cost of living for consumers by selling quality pork at a special price of 100 baht for 2 kilogrammes nationwide throughout October.
The ministry’s Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has joined with the Swine Raisers Association of Thailand (SRA) to stage the campaign, which also aims to rebalance pork demand and supply in the market, following a decline in farm gate pig prices.
Prices have been pressured by the economic slowdown, reduced consumer purchasing power, a downturn in the restaurant business and the return of many Cambodian workers to their home country, said Yanee Srimanee, deputy director-general of the department.
These factors have reduced pork consumption, resulting in oversupply and pig prices falling below farmers’ production costs.
The DIT regularly takes steps to protect pig farmers by ensuring prices remain fair, for instance by setting a minimum selling price. Last month it instructed major retail and wholesale operators not to sell lean pork for less than 102 baht per kilogramme.
Under its new initiative, 100,000kg of pork will be offered to consumers at special prices, in line with Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun’s policy to lower household expenses.
Ms Yanee said the pork, sourced from approved farms that are members of the SRA, is being distributed at designated selling points and through the department’s Blue Flag fairs throughout the month.
Sitthiphan Thanakiatpinyo, the SRA president, said the campaign has been well received by consumers so far.
He said the scheme not only provides affordable pork to consumers, but also offers an effective channel to release surplus pork into the market, helping farmers earn appropriate incomes.
To further manage supply, the association is taking other steps including a piglet cycle-cutting programme, processing 100,000 piglets to produce roast pork and reduce supply over the next four months.
The association has also requested the four major pig-raising companies store pork in cold storage for six months, limiting the volume entering the market.
In addition, a maximum slaughter weight of 110kg per pig was set to ease the glut in the market.
The association expects these actions will help restore the supply and demand balance in the market, said Mr Sitthiphan.