NESDB WILL REQUEST MORE BUDGET FOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS FOR LOWER NORTHERN PROVINCES

The National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) is preparing to propose development strategies for the lower northern provinces to the cabinet, requesting a budget of more than 7 billion baht.

During the meeting in Nakhonsawan today, the NESDB will request a budget of 7 billion baht for development projects for the lower northern provinces, which include Nakhonsawan(นครสวรรค์), Kampangpetch (กำแพงเพชร), Uthaitani (อุทัยธานี), and Pichit (พิจิตร). The development strategies will focus on improving education for the local, promoting these provinces to become rice production hub, and developing logistics system. Nakhonsawan(นครสวรรค์) will be assigned as a center, to boost potential as an Inter Junction Node, to connect all parts of Thailand.

In addition, the NESDB will submit for approval a plan to restructure water system, to increase production capability and reduce risks from flooding and drought. The budget for this project is set at around 340 milllion baht.

Source: thaisnews.com ประจำวันอังคารที่ 1 พฤศจิกายน 2548

A RICE CENTER WILL BE ESTABLISHED IN NAKHON SAWAN

A joint meeting of the cabinet members and private sector in 4 lower northern provinces have reached an agreement on establishing a rice center in Nakhon Sawan (นครสวรรค์) as a production and export center.

Government Spokesperson Dr. Surapong Suebwonglee (สุรพงษ์ สืบวงษ์ลี) declared that the meeting agreed to establish the rice department in Nakhonsawan (นครสวรรค์), because the province has high potential both in production capability and logistics system to other regions. He said that the plan will make Nakhonsawan (นครสวรรค์) a center of rice trade and export. Dr. Surapong said that the center will be an agency under the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry, but teh office will be located in Nakhon Sawan (นครสวรรค์).

The meeting also discussed development of plantation areas for crops that can produce alternative energy. The Energy Ministry and the Science and Technology ministry have been assigned to study palm oil and sugar cane production in Nakhonsawan, to see whether the areas in the province can be used to plant energy crops.

Source: thaisnews.com ประจำวันอังคารที่ 1 พฤศจิกายน 2548