Bangkok:A network of pig farmers has announced a 2 baht per kilogram increase in the recommended farm-gate price of live pigs, effective immediately. The move aims to stabilize pig prices that have remained low compared to production costs.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sittiphan Thanakiattiphinyo, President of the National Swine Breeders Association, stated that the price increase follows a similar rise on October 19th and is intended to help balance the market amidst ongoing challenges faced by pig farmers.
The revised recommended farm-gate prices are region-specific, with the western region set at 64-68 baht per kilogram, eastern and northeast regions at 68-70 baht, northern region at 71-72 baht, and the southern region at 72 baht per kilogram. These are suggested prices and may vary due to factors such as area, trading volume, and transportation conditions.
Mr. Sittiphan noted that the price of live pigs at the farm gate is nearing a stabilization point, with only slight increases expected. This takes into account consumer purchasing power, the cost of living, and farmers' production costs to ensure fairness for both producers and consumers.
Despite the increase in recommended prices, pig farmers continue to face high costs, particularly for feed raw materials and transportation, exacerbated by the African Swine Fever outbreak. As a result, transportation logistics have become more complex and costly, with farmers needing to transport pigs to designated collection points.
Mr. Sittiphan highlighted that the average cost of producing fattened pigs is 71.78 baht per kilogram. While recommended prices are increasing, some farmers, especially small-scale ones, are still selling below cost. The association aims to maintain a balanced price level that supports both consumer affordability and farmer sustainability.