Thai agricultural production lower

THAILAND : The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives predict that rice plantation in Thailand will be lower than earlier expected this year due to shortfall of rains. Permanent secretary of the ministry Chavalit Chookajorn, said the El Nino weather phenomenon lacking and reduced rainfall in the country and reserved water was low in reservoirs he added. Thai Meteorological Department are expected to increase water in reservoirs late this month and should consequently be enough water for agriculture and household consumption. Thai Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives predict that rice production this year is expected to fall from targeted quantity of 28 million tons to only 26 million. Mr Chavalit said.