BANGKOK, 17 June 2015 – Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha has instructed all agencies in charge agriculture and natural resources to develop measures to help farmers during the drought crisis.
According to PM Office Spokesperson Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd, Gen Prayut suggested that related agencies prepare measures to help farmers, such as employment assistance, water-saving agriculture and increased use ground water.
However, Col Sansern said the premier cautioned those in charge of artesian water to map out the utilization plan carefully. Ground water must not exceed 50 percent of resources; otherwise topsoil would be badly affected. The agencies responsible for the artesian water resources are to submit their management plans in the next meeting of committee members of economic ministers.
Meanwhile, the Hydro and Agro Informatics Institute revealed that rice farming in 22 provinces must be delayed for another month due to the severe dry season. The institute added that water in major dams, including Bhumibol Dam, Sirikit Dam and Pasak Chollasit Dam had dropped to critical levels. In the central region, the remaining water for consumption and farming may last only 30 days.
