Gov set THB 900 mn for organic agricuture expansion

BANGKOK, 11 February 2010 (NNT) – The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry has set 900 million THB budget to expand organic agricultural areas and develop products. They also plan to emphasize the strength of rice and herbal products.

Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Yukol Limlaemtong, stated that the Ministry had set the 2011 budget at 900 million THB for the integrated operation of the agricultural sector. The Ministry had targeted organic agricultural development in Thailand on the basis of two initiative sections which were the fundamental infrastructure of agricultural areas and adding value to organic agricultural products.

Mr Yukol said that for implementation of the plan, cooperation would be forged among the ministry’s agencies with the land development department (LDD) to be the main unit to monitor and control the procedure.

The Ministry expected to have 17,000 farmers in organic agriculture within an area of 17 million rai. LDD would survey the feasible areas for cultivation. The potential of products for exports would be another focus in the development by emphasizing on rice, vegetables, fruits and herbs.