The Minister of Agriculture Calls for Follow-Up Meeting on Post-Flood Agricultural Recovery
In the wake of devastating floods that have impacted agricultural communities across Thailand, the Minister of Agriculture, Thammasat, has urged all agencies under his jurisdiction to convene a follow-up meeting to assess the situation and expedite relief efforts for farmers. The meeting, chaired by Thammasat, took place at the Tharathip 01 Meeting Room, 99th Anniversary Building, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, in Kamphu District, Sam Sen, in which key officials including Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Arthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Prayoon Innsakul, were in attendance.
The meeting focused on reviewing the rainfall data for the year 2567, from January 1st to August 29th, showing a total accumulation of 981.4 millimeters, which was 33.1 millimeters below the normal average, representing a 3% deficit. During the rainy season in the same year, from May 20th to August 29th, there was a total of 800.1 millimeters of rainfall, exceeding the normal average by 91.9 millimeters, a 13% surplus. Additionally, the meeting discussed the large and medium-sized water retention areas across the country, totaling 470 sites, with a water volume of 47,805 million cubic meters, representing 63% capacity. There is an estimated additional water storage capacity of 28,532 million cubic meters. The projected water volume for November 1st, 2567, is expected to reach 59,355 million cubic meters, accounting for 84% of the total capacity.
Assessment of Flood Damage and Relief Efforts
In evaluating the impact of the floods on agriculture, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives reported that as of September 1st, 2567, 23 provinces have returned to normal conditions, while 16 provinces and 64 districts still face flood-related challenges. The affected agricultural areas include rice fields, cash crops, vegetables, fruit trees, and aquaculture, totaling 758,376.80 acres and impacting 121,708 farmers. In terms of aquaculture, fishponds and shrimp ponds covering 10,514.25 acres and 80,806.50 square meters, respectively, have been affected, affecting 13,107 farmers. Livestock farming, including cattle, buffalo, pigs, sheep/goats, and poultry, has seen 3,290,033 animals impacted, with 2,476.55 acres of pasture affected, impacting 54,026 farmers.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has provided immediate assistance to affected areas, distributing food rations and water to flood victims in four provinces, including Chiang Rai, Phayao, Phrae, and Nan, from August 23rd to 30th, 2567, totaling 17,490 sets. Additionally, machinery and equipment support have been extended, with 646 units comprising water pumps, pressure washers, water trucks, and other agricultural machinery provided. The ministry has also assisted in relocating 230,305 animals, treating 7,082 sick animals, promoting animal health for 11,641 animals, providing 45 bags of livestock feed, and distributing 100,565 kilograms of grass feed. Special task force units have been deployed with vehicles to deliver food and water, as well as repair agricultural machinery damaged by the floods.
Ongoing Relief Efforts and Future Plans
Despite the challenges posed by the floods, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives remains committed to supporting farmers and communities in need. The minister emphasized the importance of comprehensive assistance to address the immediate and long-term effects of the disaster. He instructed all agencies under the ministry to expedite relief measures and conduct damage assessments in the fields of agriculture, aquaculture, and livestock. This proactive approach aims to identify areas most affected by the floods and prioritize assistance to those in need.
The Role of Thammasat in Agricultural Recovery
Minister Thammasat has been actively involved in coordinating relief efforts and advocating for sustainable solutions to rebuild the agricultural sector post-floods. He has stressed the importance of collaboration among government agencies, local authorities, and community organizations to ensure a coordinated and effective response to the crisis. Thammasat’s leadership has been instrumental in mobilizing resources and support for farmers and rural communities affected by the floods.
Thammasat has also highlighted the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of future natural disasters on agriculture. He has called for the development of early warning systems, infrastructure improvements, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector. By investing in disaster preparedness and risk reduction strategies, Thammasat aims to safeguard the livelihoods of farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices in the face of climate change and extreme weather events.
Community Engagement and Empowerment
In addition to government-led initiatives, Thammasat has emphasized the importance of community engagement and empowerment in the recovery process. He has encouraged local farmers and associations to participate in decision-making processes, share their experiences, and contribute to the development of innovative solutions for agricultural recovery. By fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration among stakeholders, Thammasat aims to build resilience and sustainability in rural communities affected by the floods.
Thammasat’s approach to agricultural recovery goes beyond short-term relief efforts to focus on long-term sustainability and growth. By engaging with local communities, promoting knowledge-sharing, and fostering partnerships, Thammasat seeks to create a more resilient and inclusive agricultural sector that can withstand future challenges and thrive in the face of adversity. Through his leadership and vision, Thammasat is leading the way towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for Thailand’s agricultural sector.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Minister Thammasat’s proactive response to the floods and his commitment to rebuilding the agricultural sector demonstrate his dedication to the well-being of farmers and rural communities. By leveraging his leadership and expertise, Thammasat has mobilized resources, coordinated relief efforts, and advocated for sustainable solutions to address the challenges posed by the natural disaster. Moving forward, Thammasat’s vision for agricultural recovery emphasizes community engagement, empowerment, and resilience-building as key pillars of a holistic and effective response to the crisis. As Thailand continues to navigate the aftermath of the floods, Thammasat’s leadership will be essential in guiding the country towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for its agricultural sector.