BANGKOK, 3 July 2015 – The Department of Groundwater Resources has revealed that over 50,000 cubic meters of groundwater is being pumped up each day and supplied to rice farmers for use on their plantations.
According to Director-General of the Department of Groundwater Resources Praneet Roibang, the department is constantly in search of additional groundwater sources for the country. Out of 500 artesian wells planned to be dug, 141 are now underway, accounting for about 28 percent. So far, the department has been able to pump up 57,156 cubic meters of water each day.
At present, the acquired water is mainly distributed to drought-stricken areas along the Chao Phraya River in the Central Plains and the lower northern region. The assistance has so far reached 15 provinces, including Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Sawan, Ratchaburi, Ayutthaya and Pathum Thani.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has set up a working committee responsible for following up the development of groundwater sources for agricultural use and overseeing the assistance of drought-affected farmers.
