Anucha Nakasai, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, has urged agriculturalists to recognize the lucrative opportunity in cattle husbandry, as demand for beef in all ASEAN countries continues to rise. He made this comment during his visit to Khon Kaen province, where he officiated an initiative aimed at strengthening the grassroots economy.
Anucha highlighted that despite the increased demand in the ASEAN bloc, the numbers of cattle and buffalo farms in Thailand are declining. In response, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has launched a project to provide 1 million cattle to farmers nationwide, encouraging agriculturalists to raise more cattle and buffalo to meet the demands of domestic and international markets.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives recently achieved a significant milestone by negotiating with Vietnam and obtaining approval for Thai cattle and buffalo farms to export live cattle for consumption. This approval allows the export of the first lot from 14 farms, totaling 7,000 animals valued at over 295 million baht.
This development is considered good news for Thai farmers as it provides them with an opportunity to expand their live cattle export market to other countries, thereby enhancing Thailand’s economy. The future market is expected to continue growing, leading to a sustainable income for cattle farmers and improving their quality of life without the need to seek employment elsewhere.
Minister Anucha emphasized the caretaker government’s commitment to strengthening the grassroots economy and improving the living conditions of farmers across the country. He also highlighted the immense potential of the Northeast region, which encompasses 70% of the country’s total area, as a significant hub for livestock farming and agriculture.
