BANGKOK, 29 October 2014 The prime minister has ordered every ministry to come up with measures to help farmers from water shortages during the upcoming drought season.
The instruction came during the weekly Cabinet meeting when Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha told heads of all government units to expedite help for farmers including the dredging of canals and other bodies of water. According to the premier, the drought would have an impact on domestic supplies and exports of agricultural products.
He has also expressed his concerns for rice farmers and rubber farmers as well as small-business operators or SMEs who are currently struggling to make ends meet amidst a sluggish global economy. However, the premier said that the government has prepared certain measures to help these groups of people.
Meanwhile, deputy spokesman for the Prime Minister’s Office Major General Sansern Kaewkamnerd declared that the Cabinet has approved a central budget to help farmers across 26 provinces. The budget would be used to assist them against natural disasters, unusual weather phenomena, and agricultural problems.
A total of 12,860 farmers are expected to benefit from this program at a budget of around 154.82 million baht.
