Kamphaeng Phet:Yotsanan is advocating for a significant canal project worth over 400 million baht in Sai Ngam District to address agricultural water conflicts and incorporate innovative solutions to alleviate poverty.
According to Thai News Agency, Professor Dr. Yotsanun Wongsawat, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, visited the Sai Ngam District to inspect a water management project and engage with local residents.
During his visit, Dr. Yotsanan was joined by local MPs, Mr. Surasit Wongwittayanant and Mr. Noppol Pholamnuay, as well as Mr. Thanakorn Rattanakorn from the Prime Minister's Secretariat and officials from the Ministry of Higher Education. The focus was on resolving issues with the "Huai Noi Canal," an 18.2-kilometer waterway critical to over 108,125 rai of farmland between Sai Ngam and Lan Krabue districts.
The Royal Irrigation Department highlighted the canal's deteriorated state, which has been in use for over two decades, leading to water shortages and conflicts between farmers. As a solution, they proposed a 405 million baht project to improve the canal's irrigation system, including a pilot project for eight movable sluice gates costing 63 million baht, aiming to enhance water management and reduce conflicts.
Dr. Yotsanan emphasized the government's commitment to addressing the local community's issues and integrating technology to boost income and reduce poverty. This includes supporting agricultural machinery, developing disease-resistant crop varieties, and promoting local tourism through events like the "Thai Harvest Festival."
He concluded by stressing the importance of delivering taxpayer-funded research to the people, ensuring it benefits them directly and promising to continue efforts to support Kamphaeng Phet's community needs.