Bangkok:The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has announced a series of flood relief measures aimed at supporting farmers affected by recent flooding. These initiatives include financial assistance and the provision of essential resources to help restore agricultural productivity.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sorawut Nueangchamnong, Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, chaired a meeting to oversee the compensation process for affected farmers. The meeting was attended by Mr. Rapeephat Chantharasriwong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, and other relevant agency representatives.

The relief measures instructed by Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mr. Suriya Jungrungruangkit, focus on rapid and transparent support by utilizing the farmer registration database. Measures include debt moratoriums and loans to prevent informal debt, efficient restoration of production factors, post-flood disease surveillance, and alignment of planting plans with water resources.

Immediate financial support includes subsidies on loan interest for cooperative members, low-interest loans for land reform area farmers, and assistance for rubber farmers, amounting to 232.00 million baht. Additionally, 112.49 million baht will be allocated for production factors and essential items, such as wastewater treatment products, aquatic animal release, and veterinary services.

Support for restoring farmers' livelihoods includes over 171 million baht for resources like hay, grass seeds, tilapia farming promotion, and sericulture training. The Department of Agriculture will provide seeds, biofertilizers, and other resources, while the Department of Land Development will work on flood area restoration.

Mr. Sarawut emphasized the need for additional budgets and thorough damage assessment to ensure comprehensive assistance for all affected farmers, including those not registered. An initial central budget allocation of 1,575.79 million baht will be requested, with further allocations planned post-flood. The Ministry aims for inclusive coverage, ensuring no farmer is left without support.