Chukrasiao Model Tackles Water Shortages and Boosts Village Self-Sufficiency

Suphan Buri: Warawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Social Development and Human Security, has joined forces with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to implement the Krasae Model aimed at addressing water shortages. The initiative focuses on empowering villagers to become self-sufficient, thereby enhancing production and generating income.

According to Thai News Agency, the Krasae Model Project, officially titled “Groundwater for Large-scale Agriculture,” was inaugurated by Mr. Varawut. The project spans 500 rai and forms part of the broader ‘Project to Drive Human Capital Development, Create Economic and Social Value, and Promote Identity in Self-Reliant Settlements.’ The event, which took place at the Krasae Model Self-Reliant Settlement in Dan Chang District, Suphan Buri Province, saw participation from key figures such as Mr. Anukul Peedkaew, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, and Mr. Piriya Chantadilok, Governor of Suphan Buri Province.

The initiative is part of a flagship mission focused on enhancing human capital development and societal value. It aims to create job opportunities, generate income, and improve the livelihoods of vulnerable groups. The Krasaeow Self-Reliant Settlement in Suphan Buri Province serves as a prototype for this model since fiscal year 2024. This integrated effort involves collaboration across government, private, and public sectors to advance agricultural careers and income by developing necessary skills and knowledge. Water and soil quality are prioritized to ensure successful crop cultivation.

The groundwater project is designed to resolve water scarcity issues affecting 500 rai of agricultural land within the Krasaeow Self-Help Settlement. The initiative benefits 44 members of the settlement by ensuring sufficient water supply for crop production with a drip irrigation system. This approach boosts productivity, income, and fosters a robust local circular economy, enhancing life quality and establishing a strong community.

Mr. Warawut expressed gratitude to all network partners, including the Department of Groundwater Resources and the Krasaeow Subdistrict Administrative Organization, for their collaborative efforts in realizing the Krasaeow Model project’s objectives. He expressed hope that the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security will continue working closely with the Department of Groundwater Resources to enhance life quality for target groups in other areas.

The project includes the installation of two large water tanks catering to over 500 rai for low-water farming, leveraging technology to improve farmers’ quality of life. This development is expected to alleviate social welfare burdens, facilitated by the government’s 10,000 baht economic stimulus package. Mr. Varawut emphasized the importance of self-sufficiency for vulnerable groups and called for community cooperation in maintaining the groundwater system for collective benefit.