Pledging programme ready for kick-off

 Lersak Julates, president of the savings bank, said that the loan is possible on condition that the lending rate must be over 3.75 per cent, the rate quoted in the interbank lending market.

 He noted that he has persuaded Krung Thai Bank and two more commercial banks to establish a lending facility, which would be valued at Bt100 billion. He said the savings bank's lending portion is not finalised, but it would be at the same amount to be approved by Krung Thai Bank. GSB has the capacity to lend about Bt20 billion.

 The lending facility is prepared to help farmers who have suffered from declining agricultural products prices, he said, noting that the activity contains no risks due to the government guarantee.

 The pledging programmes will be kicked off on November 1.

 Yanyong Phuangrach, director-general of the Internal Trade Department, on Friday was in Nakhon Ratchasima, to prepare officials of 41 provinces where the pledging programmes will be kicked off. The programmes cover paddy rice, corn and tapioca. All officials must ensure that farmers are not taken advantage of, he said.

 The government is buying paddy rice at the prices of Bt9,000 to Bt15,000, depending on types and humidity.  Tapioca price is set at Bt1.80 per kg and the price would rise 5 satang per kg each month, until April 2009. Corn price is Bt8.20-Bt8.50 per kg.