The budget allocation for the 2025 fiscal year won’t be enough to effectively address the issues afflicting the agricultural sector, according to Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Capt Thamanat Prompow. Speaking during a parliamentary debate on the budget bill, he revealed that his ministry has been granted a budget of 125.8 billion baht to support more than 30 million farmers—translating to approximately 3,386 baht per person.
“Given the current economic climate, this sum falls short. We must acknowledge that the budget assigned isn’t aligned with the ministry’s responsibilities, particularly those related to land and water management,” Capt Thamanat highlighted. Despite these financial constraints, he reassured that the ministry would maximize its limited resources to empower farmers through diverse marketing strategies and innovations.
The ministry’s agenda includes measures like lowering production costs, promoting crops used as animal feed, and discouraging off-season rice farming in water-scarce areas, encouraging soybean growth instead. “These initiatives aim to triple farmers’ income by 2027, in line with the government’s plans,” Capt Thamanat stated confidently.
Deputy Minister Atthakorn Srilatthayakorn informed the House that over 70% of the ministry’s budget is earmarked for investment projects. However, he admitted that even this is insufficient to resolve the myriad challenges facing the sector.
Move Forward Party MP for Pathum Thani, Jetsada Dontreesanoa, criticized the ministry’s budget allocation, pointing out that the government has failed to set aside adequate funds to tackle severe flooding expected from the La Niña phenomenon in the latter half of the year.
The budget is clearly insufficient. How can you expect farmers to survive on such a small amount?
Exactly. It’s ridiculous to expect miracles from them with such limited funds.
I agree. They need more support, especially with climate change affecting crops so severely.
But isn’t innovation supposed to make up for the lack of funds?
Innovation helps, but it can’t completely replace the need for adequate funding.
True, without the money to implement these innovations, they’re just empty promises.
Capt Thamanat might be right to prioritize innovative solutions. Throwing more money at the problem isn’t always the answer.
Isn’t it ironic that other sectors get more budget allocation while agriculture, the backbone of our country, gets scraps?
Agree 100%. It shows where the government’s priorities really lie.
This has always been the case. Rural areas are neglected compared to urban development.
And it’s the rural population that keeps our food supply stable. The imbalance is infuriating.
Can we really blame the current administration for this, or is it a longstanding issue?
It’s definitely been a longstanding problem. This aggravation just highlights it more.
Earmarking such a large portion for investment projects is smart, but tackling immediate issues like flooding should be a priority.
If the government doesn’t step up, farmers like me will have no choice but to suffer.
I feel your pain. The sector needs urgent reforms!
Reforms will take time. Meanwhile, we’re struggling daily.
Can’t you form cooperatives to increase your bargaining power?
Why doesn’t the ministry pursue more public-private partnerships?
The projected tripling of income by 2027 seems overly optimistic given the budget constraints.
In the end, who pays the price for this inadequacy? The consumers.
Focusing on crops like soybeans is forward-thinking. Off-season rice farming isn’t sustainable.
But can farmers easily switch crops? It’s not that simple.
The government always promises but rarely delivers. What makes this any different?
More reason for farmers to protest. They have the power to demand better.
When will politicians realize that the agricultural sector needs real, sustainable investments?
Only when it impacts their votes. Until then, it’s all talk.
This budget allocation is a slap in the face to those who work the hardest.
Couldn’t have said it better. Hard work doesn’t get recognized enough.
It’s demoralizing, especially for the younger generation of farmers.
Maybe the real problem is the lack of proper planning and vision in the ministry.
An insufficient budget now will lead to bigger problems down the line. We’ll all pay the price later.
Floods are predictable, yet we’re unprepared year after year. It’s frustrating.
Flood management has always been poor. Change starts with proper accountability.
If only our leaders felt the pain of those affected by the floods, we might see real change.
Isn’t this where our emergency funds should come into play? Yet, every year is the same excuse.
I think global economic factors are also straining our budget. It’s not just about local mismanagement.
Let’s hope the ministry uses the little funds they have wisely. We’ve got no other choice.