Drought measures implemented in three provinces

In Nakhon Ratchasima, Lam Takhong Dam yesterday contained 113.365 cubic metres of water, or 36 per cent of its capacity.
With the lower-than-expected water level in the dam, water will stop being supplied for use on off-season crops and dry-season plants in the irrigated area from December until June.
Suttiroj Kongkaew, director of the Lam Takhong Dam Process and Maintenance Project, said the dam must have enough water for downstream districts that include Sikhiu, Sung Noen, Kham Thale Sor and Muang Nakhon Ratchasima.
In Uttaradit, which is facing its worst drought in 50 years, the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Co-operatives dispatched staff to visit local farmers.
Farmers are reportedly under tremendous stress after their rice paddies failed.
BAAC branch director Somboon Nakbua said the 13 BAAC teams visited farmers in nine districts to provide advise about alternative aid without waiting for the province to be declare a disaster-hit zone.
With a budget of Bt75 billion, Somboon said the bank could immediately implement measures such as extending debt repayments for another two years, providing loans of up to Bt100,000 to invest in farms and loans of up to Bt50,000 to buy seeds and to be used for non-agriculture work.
In Lop Buri’ Ban Mi district, the first anti-drought market fair at Ban Sa Ta Waew in Tambon Pukha was launched yesterday by Lop Buri Governor Phanu Yaemsri.
The weekly market fair, which will be opened on Wednesday at Wat Ban Khok and on Sunday near Ban Mi-Lopburi Road, is an avenue for villagers to sell products to boost their income during the drought period.