Agriculture Ministry to propose eight measures to help drought-stricken farmers

Agriculture Ministry to propose eight measures to help drought-stricken farmers

BANGKOK: -- The Ministry of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives has unveiled eight measures to help farmers affected by drought.

The measures include the followings:

Promotion of knowledge and support of production factors to reduce household spending. These tasks will be undertaken by the Agriculture, Commerce and Tourism and Sports ministries. For instances, the Tourism and Sports Ministry will promote agriculture-based tourism so revenue will be distributed to agricultural sector whereas the Commerce Ministry will find markets for farmers.

Extension of debt repayment to farmers who have debts with financial institutes. For instance, the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives will extend debt repayment to farmers and to provide new credits for agriculture investment.

Job creations to provide jobs for farmers. These tasks will be separately undertaken by the Agriculture and Labour ministries and BAAC.

Projects to relieve the effects of drought as wished by communities.

Increasing efficiency in water usage. All government agencies will help campaign to use water sparingly.

Increasing the volumn of water by means of dredging natural water sources, artificial rain-making and development of underground water for agriculture.

Promotion of health and safety in life and property.

Other supporting activities.

These eight measures have been submitted to the cabinet for approval.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/agriculture-ministry-to-propose-eight-measures-to-help-drought-stricken-farmers-2

-- Thai PBS 2015-09-22