No Need to Worry: Agriculture Minister Assures Sufficient Dam Water Supply Despite El Niño
Thailand's Agriculture Minister says El Niño poses no threat to water supplies, with reservoirs fully stocked for farming and pumping equipment ready for non-irrigated areas. The ministry is also planning a major fruit expo to boost exports
Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Jurungrueangkit addressed concerns at Government House regarding the El Niño phenomenon, which has caused farmers to worry about potential water shortages. He assured the public that reservoir water supplies are fully sufficient for agricultural needs. For non-irrigated areas, he has ordered the Irrigation Department to prepare pumping equipment and other necessary tools for farmers outside irrigation zones.
Beyond water management, the ministry plans to organize a Fruit Expo to promote Thailand's fruit industry on the global stage, including initiatives for export promotion, fruit research advancement, and fruit logistics development. The ministry recently met with Gerald Bose of Koelnmesse, a world-renowned exhibition expert from Germany who has long collaborated with Thailand, including organizing Thaifex Anuga, the world's 4th largest and Asia's largest food trade show. Bose is scheduled to visit the Ministry of Agriculture on May 26 for further discussions.
Regarding durian exports, Minister Suriya noted that production is expected to exceed 30% this year. He has directed improvements in efficiency and expanded quality inspection timeframes before export to facilitate smoother trade. At the Nakhon Phanom checkpoint, authorities are requesting the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards to extend inspection hours for durian exports to ensure Thai agricultural products can be bought and sold smoothly.
