Rice Harvesting Fees Surge Past 1,000 Baht Per Rai in Kalasin
Rising fuel prices have pushed combine harvester hiring rates in Kalasin province from 800 baht to 900–1,000 baht per rai, with difficult fields costing up to 1,200 baht. Operators say higher fuel and spare parts costs leave them no choice but to pass the burden on to farmers.
Farmers in Kalasin are grappling with soaring combine harvester hiring costs driven by rising fuel prices. Rates for harvesting the popular Na Prang rice variety have jumped from a maximum of 800 baht per rai to 900–1,000 baht per rai. Methasit Singhamat, 47, a combine harvester operator in Yang Talat district, said fees are tied mainly to fuel costs; this year’s high fuel prices forced the increase. He added that charges also reflect field conditions — small plots and lodged rice consume more fuel and time, warranting higher fees. Operators also face rising maintenance costs, with spare parts prices tracking fuel; Methasit spent over 70,000 baht on parts this year. Similarly, Natthaphong Suranart, an operator in Khao Wong district, raised his rate from 700 to 900 baht per rai, and up to 1,200 baht per rai for difficult, lodged fields, citing higher fuel costs and longer working hours.
