 BANGKOK, 4 June 2010 (NNT) – The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has voiced readiness to tackle the drought crisis and declining water reserves in Thailand upon concerns expressed by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
According to Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Theera Wongsamut, HM the King has voiced concerns over the drought crisis throughout the country and has asked related agencies to address the problem constantly.
The minister hence ordered the Office of Agricultural Economics to assess the seriousness of the situation.
Water reserves in reservoirs nationwide are about 48% of the total capacity, which is 5.8 billion cubic meters lower than last year by. Big reservoirs now hold water at only 37% of its capacity, which is less than last year by more than 1 billion cubic meters because water must be released for agriculture.
The minister admitted that the situation was very similar to that in 1994 which saw one of the severest drought incidents in Thailand. He said off-season rice farming next year might be affected, and the rice produce next year might be reduced accordingly.
Mr Theera added that a special task force has been set up to monitor the weather, rain amount, and water levels at important reservoirs, as well as assess the situation to formulate measures to prevent negative effects and help farmers in time.
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Reporter : Santibhap Ussavasodhi
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