Documents open for changes to the budget of 15 billion baht for the Rice Department project.

Bangkok, One project of the Rice Department that "P' Sri" uses as a point of attacking the Director-General of Rice's assets is A project to support the reduction of agricultural production costs for rice farmers by more than 15 billion baht. Although it was once questioned about the worthiness of the budget, the Cabinet eventually changed it to a project to pay assistance to farmers "a thousand per rai". Therefore, the Rice Department does not manage this budget itself. It is the source of "Director General Joe's" confidence in fighting when being threatened and extorted. The most urgent book From the Department of Internal Trade Ministry of Commerce on November 22, 2022, signed by Mr. Wattanasak Suea-iam, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade. Addressed to Mr. Natthakit Khongthip, Director-General of the Rice Department, regarding the summary of the results of the meeting to discuss the project to support management fees and develop the quality of rice growers' produce, production year 2022 /23. The main idea of ??the book is Have the Rice Department order a check from the 2023 annual expenditure budget for the project to support the reduction of production costs against agriculture. For rice farmers, 15,255 million baht will be given to the BAAC in accordance with the Cabinet resolution on November 15, 2022, which approved in principle the project to support management costs and develop the quality of rice growers' produce for the production year 2022/23, according to The Ministry of Commerce proposed by BAAC plans to pay money into farmers' accounts on November 24, 2022. The said Cabinet resolution is a change in the use of the budget. From the original Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives The Rice Department proposes a project to support the reduction of agricultural production costs for rice farmers, which specifies the objective of the project to provide budget support to 5,000 community rice centers nationwide, which is based on rice farming areas in the center's service area. communi ty rice The service area less than 2,000 rai supports 1 million baht, the service area more than 2,000 rai supports 2 million baht, the service area more than 4,000 rai supports 3 million baht, and the service area more than 6,000 rai supports 4 million baht for the cost of purchasing machinery. Agriculture and agricultural machinery repair costs But many parties questioned the worthiness of spending the budget on this project. The reason is that it is believed that The number of community rice centers that have the strength to manage agricultural equipment to achieve targeted benefits is less than half of the 5,000. Therefore, the Cabinet resolved to have the Ministry of Commerce The Department of Internal Trade is implementing a project to support management costs and develop product quality for rice farmers in the 2022/23 production year instead to contribute to helping farmers registered with the Department of Agricultural Extension at the rate of 1,000 baht per rai, not exceeding 20 rai per household, o r Not more than 20,000 baht per household, also known as "One thousand per rai project" by requesting a budget allocation of 39,858.086 million baht and the regular expenditure budget for fiscal year 2023 of the Rice Department. List of subsidy expenses according to the project to support reducing agricultural production costs. For rice farmers 15,225 million baht Later, the Director-General of the Rice Department ordered a check to be paid to the BAAC to pay the money directly into farmers' accounts in order to comply with the Cabinet resolution, without managing a budget of more than 15 billion baht in any way. When Mr. Srisuwan Ethics with those who threaten will make a complaint in the said project, so be confident that no wrongdoing has been committed In addition, the fact-checking results of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives found that There is no basis for committing an offense. Therefore, it is the origin of fighting back. By filing a lawsuit Until the officers came up with a plan to arre st the money-swapping gang in the end. As for another project, "Srisuwan" posted on Facebook that To complain is The rice seed replacement promotion project for fiscal year 2023, with a budget budget of 1,001 million baht, aims to encourage farmers to have access to and use good quality rice seeds from the Rice Department throughout the country. Farmers can join the project through agricultural groups. and farmer institutions such as the Chomchon Rice Center in each province. At a price according to the criteria set by the Rice Department. So that farmers have good rice seeds for planting. The Rice Department has a plan to continue operations for at least 3 years. There have been complaints that Seeds were disbursed in excess of what farmers were entitled to receive. Those who do not meet the qualifications can join the project. In addition, there are farmers who have names receiving seeds. But it did not receive the Rice Department's appointment of a committee to investigate the facts. For the project to p romote reducing the cost of producing rice to save the world, BCG Model, fiscal year 2023, budget framework of 874 million, aims to improve the rice cultivation process. Emphasis on refined rice farming, which is the use of biomass, biological and microbial systems that reduce and eliminate the use of chemicals. Promote sustainable farming Strengthen farmer groups The budget is for expenses in procuring production factors and agricultural machinery. According to the needs plan of 292 community rice centers in 74 provinces, the target operating area is 58,400 rai and the service area is 60 million rai in 74 provinces. This project has been complained that The Director-General of the Rice Department seeks benefits by requiring community rice centers to purchase machinery as specified by the Director-General. Director-General of the Rice Department stated that was impersonated Warn to the president of the community rice center that Don't be fooled and buy tools with quality and efficiency in mind. Another proje ct is The project to improve the production and distribution of rice seeds, fiscal year 2023, with a budget budget of 1,256 million, aims to help increase the potential of producing selected rice seeds and main rice varieties. Let there be more pure seeds. And there is sufficient quantity to produce seeds of expanded varieties and rice seeds for sale. that is expanding production capacity To respond to farmers' seed needs Reduce the shortage of good seeds and to be able to create sustainable food security in the future The project is carried out in 16 rice research centers and the National Rice Science Institute. To purchase machinery and equipment for improving the selected breeds - main breeds. and the buildings include: Pre cleaner, air screen cleaner, gravity separator, and packing scale, etc., with automatic sorting system, 31 items in the budget. 1,256 million baht that no complaints have been found yet The Director-General of the Rice Department stated that Proceed correctly according to the steps by h aving an ethics committee, a third party, come in and examine every step. From the preparation of the TOR (specification of characteristics and conditions) to the inspection process to ensure compliance with regulations, transparency, and fairness. In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with the Anti-Corruption Organization (Thailand). Mr. Natthakit Khantip, Director General of the Rice Department or "Director General Joe" has explained the complaints that have occurred many times that caused by those who lose benefits Trying to create a slanderous attack because since assuming the position of Director-General on February 23, 2022, he has been determined to honestly manage the work within the Rice Department and oppose corruption within the Rice Department. The investigation found corruption in seed trading at the Rice Seed Center and Rice Research Center. Corruption in the project to purchase 200 sets of rice seed cleaning machines under the Large Plot Agricultural Promotion System Proje ct in 2020, which appointed a committee to investigate serious disciplinary matters against the officials involved. It has also been found that There has been corruption and embezzlement of medical expenses and child tuition fees in many places since 2014, with damages worth more than 20 million baht. He also emphasized that he hopes to strengthen farmers. By receiving good quality machinery and tools. Use good rice seeds for cultivation. Reduce production costs and increase productivity We will not allow corruption in any project of the Rice Department. If found, strict legal action will be taken. Source: Thai News Agency