We need a workable, integrated agricultural plan

I am glad to hear that Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak is focusing on the agricultural sector in calling for domestic economic drivers that can balance falling exports.

Bolstering our agricultural strength is one way of making necessary structural changes to cope with the slowdown in global trade – one of four components identified as Thailand’s “new normal”.

But while measures such as the Bt1-million Village Fund and the Bt5-million Tambon Fund will give villagers and farmers access to capital, they won’t be effective in creating sustainable livelihoods unless they are reinforced with an integrated approach of management, technology and innovation. Such an approach could include land reform for agriculture, development of water resources, risk-diversification in farming, product-quality enhancement, and the creation of new markets and a fairer market system. These would reduce both restrictions and risks for farmers.

The government and other agencies have gathered a wealth of agricultural knowledge from academic research and from farmers themselves. But without proper integration of these agencies, the information is not being effectively implemented. The time has come to pool our resources and kick-start a national campaign to strengthen the agriculture of Thailand. Farmers can play a crucial role in driving the economy, but only if their strength is harnessed to an integrated national approach to agriculture.

Sutipunt Bongsununt