This Eleventh National Economic and Social Development Plan (2012-2016) is a cross-sectoral policy document. The Plan has established the following objectives: 1) To promote a fair and peaceful society; 2) To increase the potential of all Thais based on a holistic approach that enables physical, mental, intellectual, emotional, ethical and moral development through social institutions; 3) To develop an efficient and sustainable economy by upgrading production and services based on technology, innovation and creativity using effective regional links, by improving food and energy security, and by upgrading eco-friendly production and consumption toward a low-carbon society; 4) To preserve natural resources and the environment so they are sufficient to maintain ecological balance and a secure foundation for development.
Strengthening of the agricultural sector and security of food and energy is set out as one of the six development strategies. Development guidelines include: 1. Enhance food security and develop bio-energy at household and community levels;2. Establish bio-energy security to strengthen the agricultural sector and support national development; 3. Improve public management to enhance food and energy security. Farmers, local scholars, the private sector and local communities should participate in agricultural development planning.
The Plan seeks to make agriculture more productive and sustainable. The Plan calls for reinforce natural resources as the foundation of the agricultural production base. Natural resources for agricultural production should be restored while good agricultural norms and practices should be promoted so as to support sustainable farming. Agricultural practices that preserve biodiversity and are suitable for the climate and the environment should be encouraged, while basic services for agricultural production should be improved. Research and development should be emphasized while agricultural production should be modified according to socio-geographical conditions.
In terms of createing job and income security for farmers, an income insurance system, together with crop insurance, should be developed to cover all farmers. Fairness for farmers and stakeholders in the contract farming system should be encouraged. Small farmers adversely affected by free trade agreements should be strengthened in order to maintain their living conditions.
The Plan further seeks to enable more inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. It proposes to increase the value of agricultural commodities along supply chains. Food quality and standards for farm products relative to production systems should be upgraded to meet international standards. Present and future markets for agricultural commodities should be strengthened and the private sector, community organizations and agricultural institutes should participate in managing the food and commodity system. In addition, the efficiency of logistic management in the agricultural sector should be improved.
Under the strategy of managing natural resources and the environment toward sustainability, the development guidelines include: 1. Ensure preparedness to respond to natural disasters; 2. Upgrade the ability to adapt to climate change; 3.Shift the development paradigm and redirect the country to a low-carbon and environmentally friendly economy; 4.Foster resilience toward trade measures associated with environmental conditions and climate change impacts; etc.