Agriculture Ministry Tackles Drought in Kalasin, Promotes 'Khao Khao Vang' Rice to Boost Community Income
Thailand's Agriculture Ministry is expanding water storage in drought-hit Kalasin province while promoting a native rice variety that has nearly doubled yields to boost farmer incomes. Deputy Agriculture Minister Watcharapol Khaokhwam visit
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is actively tackling drought in Kalasin province by accelerating water storage development and promoting 'Khao Khao Vang,' a regional rice variety, to nearly double its yield and create additional value for both domestic and international markets, supporting grassroots economic stability and sustainable farmer income.
On May 11, 2026, Deputy Agriculture Minister Watcharapol Khaokhwam visited Na Thun subdistrict in Kham Muang district, Kalasin province, to meet with local farmers and assess water shortage problems. He inspected the water levels in the Huai Laeng royal-initiative reservoir at Ban Non Kho community hall and pledged coordinated government action to secure water resources. "We are here to listen directly to the needs of the community and farmers, and we will coordinate all relevant agencies to develop urgent assistance measures, particularly in securing adequate water sources for consumption and agriculture, so people can live and work with stability," Watcharapol said.
Na Thun subdistrict faces challenging conditions, situated in elevated terrain without large-scale water retention facilities to capture seasonal rainfall. Additionally, groundwater is saline and unsuitable for consumption. The Agriculture Ministry, through the Kalasin Irrigation Project, has surveyed a new reservoir that will store over 1.2 million cubic meters of water, providing adequate supply for five villages with approximately 4,000 residents.
Watcharapol then visited the Lam Pa Yang upper reservoir in Song Phraleuk subdistrict, Khao Vang district, to assess water conditions and meet with local farmers about agricultural challenges. The medium-sized reservoir holds an average of 4.6 million cubic meters and supports irrigation for over 5,600 rai through an 18.05-kilometer pipe network, enabling year-round cultivation.
The reservoir has boosted production of 'Khao Khao Vang,' a native rice variety of Khao Vang district, from 273 kilograms per rai to 501 kilograms per rai, demonstrating improved efficiency and water management. The Ministry is also promoting high-quality rice cultivation, market development, and value creation to make 'Khao Khao Vang' competitive in both Thai and international markets, increasing farmer income.
Additionally, Watcharapol distributed aquatic species seeds, rice seeds, and eggs to farmer representatives to enhance food security and reduce production costs.
