Cabinet approves expansion of water retention areas in Lower north

SUKHOTHAI, Dec 27 (TNA) – The Cabinet approved expansion of flood water retention areas under the Bang Rakham model project for better water management in the lower northern provinces. The Bang Rakham model was initiated in Phisanulok, using water retention fields to prevent the repeated flood problems in Bang Rakham district. Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Grisada Boonrach said that due to the success of the project, the Cabinet on Tuesday ordered the Bang Rakham model to be applied to other areas in lower northern province of Sukhothai, Phichit and Phitsanulok to solve flood problem in the Yom river basin. Under the Bang Rakhma model, after farmers harvest rice yield, the paddy fields will be used to store floodwater. Government spokesman Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the Cabinet ordered paddy fields in Phisanulok’s Phrom Phiram district and in Sukhothai’s Kong Krailat district to be used as additional water retention areas to store rainwater. The excessive water will be released from the empty fields for agricultural use later to grow off-season rice. Moreover, the budget of 1.9 billion baht was approved for building water flow control sluice gates to divert floodwater from business areas in these lower northern provinces The Agriculture Ministry was tasked with supporting local farmers to grow other economic crops suitable in the areas in order to prevent oversupply of farm products. The government will also help promote exports and selling processed agricultural products to air travellers on board such as mango cookies, sun dried banana, so local people can earn extra income. (TNA)