TAK, July 19 (TNA) – Deputies of Agriculture took a field trip to the country’s major dam to follow up water management plans and will lay out measures to help farmers in case of a drought crisis.
Thammanat Prompao, Mananya Thaiset and Praphat Phothasuthon observed reserved water in Bhumibol dam in Tak province and met Tak governor, the director of the dam, officials and representatives of farmers from the Chao Phraya River basin in 13 provinces.
They discussed water management plans and assistance for farmers in drought-hit areas.
Prapat said that scarce rain caused water shortage in some areas. Farmers were advised to adjust their farming to respond to local water supplies.
The Agriculture Ministry has suggested suitable crops for each particular area to alleviate any impact from insufficient water supplies. Farmers who have not started cultivation are instructed to postpone their cultivation plans to September.
The authorities will issue warnings to provinces that drought looms so villagers can store water in advance. Assistance measures will be implemented for farming areas if the problem occurs.
Currently, Bhumibol dam holds 4.6 billion cubic metres of water or about 35 per cent of its capacity. Live water storage availability in the reservoir is about 890 million cubic metres. (TNA)
