The acting prime minister has visited Krabi province to observe local water management efforts and oil palm farming. There, he expressed confidence that the price of palm this year will reach 7.5 baht per kilogram.
Deputy Prime Minister serving as Acting Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan received a briefing on the latest water situation, as the area is being impacted by continuous rainfall. He also acknowledged progress on a water resources development campaign involving occupational land managed by the Agricultural Land Reform Office.
Gen Prawit’s visit was welcomed by palm farmers from Krabi, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Phang Nga, and Nakhon Si Thammarat, who gathered in front of Krabi Provincial Hall to greet him. The acting premier said he intended to meet farmers in person to gather their input on the various issues they are facing.
He added that efforts are being made to assist farmers through cost-cutting measures and the promotion of oil palm usage in electricity generation, biodiesel and exports.
These efforts have helped increase the average price of oil palm to 6 baht per kilogram last year, up from 3 baht in 2019, with the price potentially reaching 7.5 baht per kilogram this year. The improved rates have helped raise the total value of oil palm from 50 billion baht to 120 billion baht, with a target of 150 billion baht likely to be achieved this year.
Gen Prawit said demand for oil palm will continue to soar, thanks to government efforts to push Thailand as a manufacturing hub for aviation biofuel. He then inspected a local water resource development project in Krabi, where he delivered occupational land usage permits to residents.
The acting premier also urged the Krabi Provincial Land Reform Office to expedite an occupational land management plan for the villagers in parallel with a local water resources development project. This includes the construction of a large pond linked to an irrigation network. (NNT)
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