The Government has prepared guidelines for water resource management and providing assistance for drought-stricken farmers in 2016.

 

Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives General Chatchai Sarikulya answered queries at a recent meeting of the National Legislative Assembly on the Government’s water management and measures to help farmers affected by drought.

 

He said that water levels in the country’s major dams were lower than those recorded in the previous year. In order to deal with the situation, the Government has come up with an integrated water resource management plan. With regard to agriculture, farmers will be given advice on how to grow crops that require only a small amount of water.

 

General Chatchai said that the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives would set priorities for releasing water in accordance with urgent needs in each area. More importantly, emphasis must be placed on using water to maintain the ecological system on a sustainable basis.

 

Eight measures have been worked out to assist farmers affected by drought. These measures seek to reduce costs and debt burdens for farmers. A survey has been conducted to find out their demand, so that the Government’s assistance will be able to respond to their real needs.

 

Officials will visit farmers to provide them with knowledge about the efficient use of water. A project will also be launched on the growing of crops that use less water. A budget of 1,167 million baht will be used to assist farmers in February and March 2016.

 

Regarding Thailand’s water resource management plan, Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha earlier explained that the plan would be implemented at three levels. In the first level, an emphasis will be placed on rehabilitating deteriorated forests and watershed areas and preventing soil erosion. This will help maintain healthy ecosystems and the balance of nature. The Government also plans to store water by diverting it from natural sources in order to prevent water shortages in the long run and to bring about water security.

 

The second level involves water consumption. A target has been set to provide over 7,000 villages throughout the country with access to clean water in order to reduce unequal access to this basic necessity. Since agricultural and industrial sectors sustain the country’s rural economy, there is a need to ensure water security for these sectors and provide sufficient water sources, as well.

 

In the third level, which involves waste water management, Thailand aims to reduce waste water from its original sources. It will also increase the efficiency of waste water treatment systems and prevent seawater from pushing inland.

 

The Government is aware of the importance of integrating water resource management to achieve sustainability.