Ministry of Agriculture plans to acquire agriculture satellite

BANGKOK, Dec 23 (TNA) -- Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is preparing to submit a request to the Cabinet to approve its plan to acquire an agriculture satellite, claiming that this will give the ministry the ability to obtain accurate and timely information for the agriculture sector. Mr Wiwat Salyakamthorn, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, stated that it is time for the Thai government to invest in a satellite dedicated for agriculture use. The satellite which is estimated to cost one billion baht, would provide accurate images of crops and plantations which would benefit the agriculture sector in the long run. Mr Wiwat said that the Thai agricultural sector is in disarray with no accurate data available. More accurate information concerning land in general is essential in meeting production targets and hopes to submit its official request to the Cabinet soon. He further stated that the Ministry also needs to focus more on the Department of Royal Rain Making and Agricultural Aviation initiated by HM late King Bhumibol. His Majesty has invented rain making methods for the entire country and this must be continued. He saide the overall cost of rain making is averaged at only 12 baht per rai which is considered a small investment when compared with the value of water for crops. (TNA)