Irrigation development will speed up nationwide to help increase farmers' incomes and reduce the impact of recurring floods and droughts, says Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Speaking during a visit to Suphan Buri on Saturday, Mr Anutin said the government was committed to ensuring farmers receive a fairer share of returns from their harvests while strengthening water management to support agricultural production.
The PM travelled to Ban Tha Nang Roeng in Doem Bang Nang Buat district to inspect a project aimed at reducing costs and improving yields. He received a briefing on the initiative and visited pilot rice fields.
Mr Anutin, also the leader of the ruling Bhumjaithai Party, was welcomed by BJT MPs from Suphan Buri and the neighbouring province of Nakhon Pathom, along with local administrative executives.
He said the government places the highest priority on ensuring farmers earn income and profits commensurate with the effort they invest.
He said most of the benefits from agricultural production should not flow to capital owners or middlemen, describing the issue as a major challenge requiring urgent action by relevant ministries.
Addressing water management, he said the Central Plains serve as a key receiving area for runoff from the north and have long faced recurring floods and droughts that damage farmland.
As head of the government, he was prepared to submit irrigation improvement plans for budget approval to establish more effective measures to prevent and mitigate damage caused by natural disasters.
Mr Anutin also referred to BJT MP for Suphan Buri Prapat Pothasuthon, whose birthday falls on Aug 1, describing him as one of the country's leading experts on agriculture and rice cultivation.
He said the visit also provided an opportunity to extend birthday wishes to the veteran politician.
He thanked Suphan Buri residents for electing four Bhumjaithai MPs from the province's five constituencies and expressed hope the party would win all five seats at the next election.
Having MPs from the same party across the province, he said, would improve coordination and ensure continuity in development policies.
After inspecting the agricultural project, Mr Anutin and his delegation visited Wat Khongkharam in Doem Bang Nang Buat district.
They paid respects to the temple's abbot, Phra Kru Suwan Punyarak, discussed Buddhist teachings and the history of the temple, paid homage to sacred objects and met locals before departing.
