Agriculture Ministry Seeks 1.575 Billion Baht Flood Relief for Farmers

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives proposes a central budget of 1.575 billion baht for flood relief, providing an additional 3,000 baht per household, to be submitted to the Cabinet to assist 52,832 crop, fisheries, and livestock farmers. Permanent Secretary Sarut Nuengjamnong revealed after a meeting of the Committee on Driving Key Policies and Agricultural Problem-Solving that the meeting approved additional assistance principles for farmers affected by floods in 2026, supporting capital for new production cycles at 3,000 baht per household, covering both registered and unregistered farmers. Preliminary survey data as of October 21, 2026 found 18 provinces still flood-affected out of 55 damaged provinces, with 52,832 farmers impacted across crops, fisheries, and livestock, amounting to approximately 1,575.79 million baht in assistance. The Ministry will propose using the central budget for Cabinet consideration. Sarut said Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit ordered all agencies to expedite assistance to farmers in five areas: accelerate transparent compensation payments linked to the farmer database; coordinate with the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives and financial institutions on debt moratoriums and rehabilitation loans, using cooperatives to boost liquidity; accelerate soil restoration and support plant, animal, and aquatic breeds; monitor post-flood disease outbreaks; and prepare planting plans aligned with water availability, while securing quality seeds and monitoring pests. Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary Raphiphat Chanthasiwong said the Ministry is preparing to tackle PM2.5 dust from agricultural burning, especially after harvest and in highland areas, from November 2026 to May 2027, with an announcement on agricultural PM2.5 prevention measures taking effect January to May 2027. Additionally, the Ministry is developing a Big Data platform to analyze agricultural commodity price risks, supply and demand, drought and disaster risks, farmer vulnerability, and budget efficiency, while appointing a working group and accelerating the 2028 annual budget framework.