BANGKOK, 7 May 2015- Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed officials to expedite assistance to drought-affected farmers, while introducing a subsidy on agricultural equipment.
According to government spokesperson Yongyuth Mayalarp, the campaign would issue coupons for farmers to buy discounted seeds, fertilizer and equipment. The program is expected to be implemented soon, he said, adding it would significantly lower expenses for farmers.
Dr. Yongyuth also revealed that the Prime Minister has instructed the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to educate agricultural operators on various anti-drought measures, reducing overhead expenses and planting alternative crops.
The ministry was also tasked with preventing the low market price of rice in during the next harvest season.
Meanwhile, the government has approved the budget of the One Tambon One Million Baht scheme for 3,051 sub-districts suffering from recurring drought.
