Pheu Thai’s MP for Lopburi, Udomsak Bualuangngam, and colleagues today (Wednesday) proposed an urgent motion for the House of Representatives to set up an extraordinary committee to consider the establishment of a ministry of rice, claiming that rice farming is still the main lifeline and occupation of more than half of the Thai population. The MP added that rice is an agricultural essential for the Thai economy, yet Thai farmers are generally poor and are taken advantage of by others. Having a rice ministry will sustain the life of Thai farmers, ensure fairness and push the country to strengthen and advance rice growing technology, he said.