In a delightful turn of events, the committee dedicated to the advancement of agriculture and cooperative policies has graciously extended its embrace to include cocoa among the elite list of horticultural crops receiving official oversight. The eloquent Ekkaphap Polsue, serving as the voice of the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry, announced this savory addition. With cocoa now under the wing of the sub-committee on horticultural crops, a sweeping gust of support, promotion, and problem-solving galore is set to envelop the nation’s cocoa farmers.
Now, what company does cocoa keep in this circle of esteemed crops, you ask? The cadre includes the invigorating coffee, the soothing tea, the piquant pepper, and the succulent longan. With Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat at the helm, the committee is not just adding cocoa to the lineup but also embarking on a thrilling overhaul of the sub-committee’s composition. It seems we’re on the brink of a dynamic horticultural renaissance!
The illustrious Marketing Organisation for Farmers (MOF) will now pitch in its expertise as part of this newly revamped sub-committee. Restructuring plans are afoot, designed to sharpen the problem-solving prowess of the group to a fine point. Everything, of course, awaits the final nod of approval from the minister, as Ekkaphap Polsue informs us with an anticipative air.
Turning our gaze toward the boundless horizons of the cocoa market, Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office’s sagacious director-general, chimes in with a forecast that is nothing short of exhilarating. Drifting effortlessly towards a value of over $20 billion by the year 2028, cocoa appears to be the golden ticket fueling not just taste buds but national coffers too, rising from a notable baseline of $16 billion last year.
Drawing insights from the venerable European Union’s Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI), Poonpong outlines a dramatic backstory tied to nature’s own whims. The formidable El Nino phenomenon played a pivotal role in reigning in supply from yesteryear to earlier this one, nudging cocoa prices in a decidedly upward climb. In the crisp chill of January, the global market buzzed with the news of cocoa beans fetching as much as $6.6 USD, about 230 baht per kilo—a staggering 83.3% on-year surge!
Zooming into the heart of Thailand’s cocoa chronicles, the numbers tell a tale of expanding ambitions. Back in 2022, the nation produced 1,256 tonnes, making up a mere 0.02% of global shares. Fast forward to the recent past, and behold the leap to 3,360 tonnes last year. With cocoa now under the explicit aegis of the sub-committee, this appears to be just the first chapter in an invigorating saga—one that promises to be a delectable treat for both tongue and trade alike!
As the nation watches with hopeful eyes and perhaps, watering mouths, the move to catapult cocoa into the limelight resonates far beyond mere soil and seeds. It is a celebration of potential, punctuated by the sweet assurance of growth, and without a doubt, another step closer to a cacao-infused utopia.
Finally, Thailand is recognizing the potential of cocoa. This could really boost the economy!
It’s about time! Cocoa is such an underrated crop in this region.
Absolutely! Especially with the current demand for chocolate worldwide.
As a chocolate enthusiast, I’m thrilled. But how sustainable is this move environmentally?
Good question! Hopefully, they incorporate sustainable practices to protect the environment.
Cocoa’s inclusion is a strategic economic move, yet I wonder if it diverts attention from more essential crops.
Perhaps, but the economic benefits of export-oriented crops cannot be underestimated.
Honestly, I think this is short-sighted. We need to focus on crops that can help combat climate change.
Any crop can be part of the climate solution with the right practices. Cocoa included!
Imagine Thai chocolate products making waves internationally. Yum!
I can’t wait to try some authentic Thai chocolate!
Me too! A blend of Thai flavors would be divine.
Another policy pushed by elites without sufficient input from local communities.
But if it brings economic growth, isn’t it beneficial in the long run?
As a farmer, any support from the government is welcome.
I still believe more grassroots involvement is crucial.
Will this shift hurt coffee production, which has been stable for years now?
It’s fascinating how something like El Nino can have such worldwide economic implications.
Every pivot to a new agricultural focus should prioritize ecological impacts first.
Reminds me of when coffee took the spotlight. New crops bring new opportunities!
With a projected 20 billion dollar market, this is a smart economic move.
Cocoa’s story here feels like just the beginning of a sweet love affair with profits.
New horizons in cocoa farming may give us unique flavors worth celebrating!
I’m not convinced this will pan out as optimistically as projected.
Will Thailand’s agricultural history help or hinder this new cocoa-focused policy shift?
I hope local farmers receive the support they need to be part of this industry change.
Excited but also worried about how rapidly these changes are happening.
Never thought I’d see cocoa on the same plane as coffee in Thailand!
A forecasted 83.3% price increase really highlights the volatility of agricultural markets.
Maybe this will spur more adventurers to Thailand to explore cacao farms. Could be a tourism hit!
I’m skeptical. Growth percentages don’t always equate to real-world success.