Even in many developed countries, the state buys, stores and sells large proportions of locally grown grain. Where the market has been allowed more power, many farmers are demanding that the state intervene to restore stability and predictability amid fluctuating prices that threaten their livelihood. The yearly rice crop cannot be consigned to the “wolves” of the supply-and-demand market. Experience around the world suggests that the right mix of market and state will secure fairness for farmers. In contrast, it seems naive to believe that those who make their living out of profit are best suited to fairly serve vulnerable and poorly organised farmers.

Source: The Nation Bangkok November 17, 2016 18:03 UTC