KALASIN: Farmers deeply in debt after weeks of flooding are asking the Royal Irrigation Department to release water to irrigate their off-season rice before the New Year, as they have already started planting their new crop.
Planting began after floodwaters that covered many areas in five districts in recent weeks - Muang, Yang Talat, Kamalasai, Khong Chai and Rong Kham - receded. Over 300,000 rai of farmland were damaged and crops ruined.
Tia Phunonrai, a farmer in tambon Nadi of Yang Talat district, said many paddy fields that had been inundated for more than a month, plunging farmers deeply into debt. State financial assistance covered only the cost of the seed for a new crop.
Tia Phunonrai. (Photo by Yongyut Phupuangphet)
With the planting of off-season rice already underway, they wanted the Royal Irrigation Department to supply water to their fields before the New Year. Normally, the department would release water in February.
He said planting an early crop was essential if farmers were to earn the money to pay off debts incurred because of the flooding.
Meanwhile, Kalasin governor Suwit Khamdee on Friday warned residents to brace for Tropical Storm Doksuri, moving in from Vietnam.
Agencies were on standby to provide assistance to affected people, Mr Suwit said.
