Make soybean cheaper for swines

Their reasoning is that a zero tariff would help them cope with increasing costs, particularly since the price of pork has dropped to between Bt50 and Bt54 a kilogram, compared with production costs of Bt56 a kilogram.

The association is calling on relevant ministries, but particularly Commerce, Agriculture, Finance, Industry and Interior, to consider the proposal jointly.

The group's chief, Surachai Sutthitham, said the main cost in swine farming was feed meal, especially soybean meal, which has increased to Bt18.50 to Bt19 per kilogram from between Bt11 to Bt12 in recent years.

In addition, farmers are cashing in on the energy crisis by growing alternativefuel crops.

At present, imported soybean meal is subject to a 4percent import tariff. If the government agrees to eliminate the tariff, porkproduction costs would drop 4050 satang a kilogram.

"Our proposal is aimed at helping 40,00050,000 swine raisers survive. Previously, some pig raisers had to shut down, due to sharply rising costs," Surachai explained.

He said the 4percent import tariff on soybean meal was calculated at Bt9 to Bt10 per kilogram, a price that was not true to real prices and should be revised downwards to reflect current production costs.

Thailand must import 90 per cent of soybean meal, as local producers cannot meet domestic demand.