Seeking over 22 bln baht to help farmers

BANGKOK, July 1 (TNA) -- The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry will request over 22 billion baht from the cabinet next week to assist agriculturists in improving their products and eventually their income. Minister Gen Chatchai Sarikulya said while presiding over a seminar and attended by more than 880 district agriculture officials nationwide that the budget will be sought from the cabinet on July 4. The budget will be spent on 9,101 projects with each project receiving 2.5 million baht, said Gen Chatchai. Financial assistance on the projects will last this September 30. The ‘9101 Program’ signifies His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej who was the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, the current 10th king and the number one refers to the first year of the ruling King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Simultaneously, Somchai Charnnarongkul, director-general of the Ministry’s Agricultural Extension Department, said the money amounting about 22.7 billion baht will be given to community leaders before this July 15. Low-income agriculturists will receive full benefit from the financial assistance offered by the government, Mr Somchai added. (TNA)