MOAC assigned to consider 1-bn-THB aid for drought-hit farmers

BANGKOK, 16 June 2010 (NNT) – The cabinet has assigned the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to review its proposal for a budget worth 1 billion THB for aiding drought-affected farmers.

According to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives was instructed by the cabinet today to reformulate its proposal for the 1-billion-THB assistance budget in greater detail. The Prime Minister elaborated on the motion, saying that it was aimed to compensate farmers who had to postpone their in-season rice cultivation until next month due to the drought crisis. He noted that the financial aid would also help them with their living expenses during the delay.

Regarding the budget disbursement, Prime Minister Abhisit said each of the drought-affected households would receive 1,000 THB. However, he noted that the details of the scheme were still unclear and would need to be clarified by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives before being resubmitted to the cabinet for approval.