Bangkok: The Ministry of Agriculture has unveiled a comprehensive proposal aimed at boosting the grassroots economy through strategic development of water sources and cultivation of high-value crops. The initiative, designed as part of the government’s economic driving plan, is projected to operate within a 157 billion baht budget and is currently pending review by the screening committee.
According to Thai News Agency, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narumon Pinyosinwat, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, has emphasized that the plan aligns with the Economic Stimulus Committee’s guidelines. The Ministry has outlined a structured approach to ensure the project’s completion by September 2026, with an anticipated positive impact on local economies. The Ministry’s proposal is centered around three main strategies.
The first strategy involves the development of water resource projects. These projects aim to enhance and create water resource systems for consumption and agricultural purposes, ensuring community water security and supporting sustainable food production.
The second strategy focuses on increasing the value of agricultural products. This includes promoting the cultivation of high-value crops, particularly those with export potential, and developing systems to enhance production and processing. This approach seeks to enable farmers to achieve a tangible increase in income.
Lastly, the Ministry plans to stimulate the community economy and create jobs. This involves organizing activities and projects that utilize local labor, thereby generating income flow at the grassroots level in agriculture and related industries.
The Ministry of Agriculture is prepared to support the government’s policy and is confident in the consideration process due to its previous experience with similar operations during the COVID-19 situation. The Ministry is currently finalizing details to submit to the Budget Bureau for the screening process.
The government’s budget framework of 157 billion baht is allocated across four main areas: water and transportation infrastructure, export support, tourism and domestic productivity, and community economic stimulation. The Ministry of Agriculture’s proposed projects align with many of these areas, particularly in water resource development and sustainable rural economic development.