Bangkok: The Department of Cooperative Promotion has introduced seven strategic measures to support cooperatives, farmer groups, and member farmers impacted by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with a focus on promoting clean energy and reducing production costs.
According to Thai News Agency, Director-General Nirun Multhida outlined the measures following a Zoom meeting with provincial cooperatives nationwide. The meeting, which was chaired by Mr. Winairoj Thrapsongsook, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, aimed to assess the situation and devise strategies to bolster Thailand's agricultural sector. Out of the seven measures, six are urgent, while one is set for medium- and long-term implementation. The primary urgent initiative involves offering low-interest loans from the Cooperative Development Fund to cooperatives to facilitate business operations such as produce collection and agricultural machinery services.
Mr. Nirun highlighted the necessity for detailed investigations into how various cooperatives will be affected, particularly concerning credit lines, gas station ownership, and fertilizer stock. The next measure involves providing debt relief and extending repayment periods for cooperatives borrowing from the Cooperative Promotion Fund, with extensions contingent on the duration of the Middle East conflict. Another measure aims to promote the use of self-mixed fertilizers, especially organic and bio-fertilizers, to decrease dependency on costly chemical fertilizers and enhance plant growth efficiency.
The Director-General stressed the importance of cooperation from cooperatives and farmer groups possessing agricultural machinery to offer services at reduced rates, thus aiding in lowering production costs for their members. Additionally, fuel management by cooperatives is addressed, urging those with gas stations to ensure adequate fuel supply prioritization for members.
A further measure involves utilizing cooperative distribution centers nationwide to expedite the distribution of agricultural products, thereby stabilizing prices and preventing produce concentration in specific areas.
For medium and long-term solutions, the Department will focus on promoting alternative energy use by offering low-interest loans for solar panel installations to power agricultural equipment. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on traditional fuel sources and decrease costs for cooperatives and their members.
Mr. Nirun concluded by emphasizing the Department's commitment to supporting the transition to clean energy and the implementation of measures designed to enhance cost efficiency within the cooperative sector.