CHAIYAPHUM, Dec 25 (TNA) – The Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives ordered the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) to set up a command centre for drought prevention and mitigation.
Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Chalermchai Sri-on’s order came after the prime minister’s field trip to the northeastern province of Chaiyaphum yesterday to inspect the drought situation.
The centre, chaired by the RID director-general will use the Smart Water Operation Center as its operation centre to monitor and analyse the drought situation and keep the public updated.
Warning will be issued for local residents and necessary machinery and equipment will be provided to support related agencies in drought mitigation missions. Results of the operations will be reported to the agriculture minister on a regular basis.
Royal Irrigation Department director-general, Thongplew Kongchan said he appointed a committee to solve the drought crisis for comprehensive and effective implementation of the policies.
So far, the Interior Ministry has announced drought-affected zones in 11 provinces. Officials have conducted data survey on water for consumption and agricultural purposes to map out locations to distribute water for residents, facing water shortage. Artisan wells have been dug to alleviate the problem.
Chalermchai said areas in the irrigation zones will have no problem due to water management plan in advance.
However, areas outside the irrigation zones are advised to refrain from off-season rice cultivation.
Farmers have been instructed by officials to grow plants that require much less water, suitable for water supply in their areas. (TNA)
