Chiang rai: The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Piyarat Tiyapairat, has announced a strategic initiative to transform Chiang Rai into the "Agricultural Metropolis of Northern Thailand." Emphasizing the pivotal role of cooperatives, this project aims to reform the agricultural sector and invigorate the local economy.
According to Thai News Agency, the announcement was made during the "Chiang Rai Provincial Cooperative Gathering," an event organized by the Chiang Rai Provincial Cooperative Office. The gathering aimed to disseminate key policies of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to local cooperatives and farmers. The event attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including Mr. Nirun Multhida, Director-General of the Department of Cooperative Promotion, and several high-ranking officials and representatives from cooperatives, government agencies, and state enterprises, with a total attendance of 500 people.
The Deputy Minister highlighted the Ministry's policy under the leadership of Mr. Suriya Jungrungruangkit, which focuses on "Agricultural Innovation for the Sustainability of Thai Farmers." This policy encourages the use of technology and innovation throughout the agricultural process, from production to marketing, to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance farmer capabilities. The cooperative development strategy is structured into several dimensions, such as upgrading cooperatives into professional community business organizations, enhancing competitiveness through knowledge development, and driving technological and innovative integration.
Piyarat emphasized Chiang Rai's strategic potential in cash crop production and its role as a trade gateway. The Ministry aims to elevate Chiang Rai as the 'Northern Agricultural Hub' by leveraging the cooperative system to boost the grassroots economy. The Deputy Minister detailed ongoing efforts, particularly in rice production, where 16 cooperatives have collected a substantial amount of rice, valued at over 1 billion baht.
Additionally, the Ministry plans to strengthen cooperatives through transparency and competitiveness, increase product value, and develop a new generation of farmers. The cooperative system is viewed as crucial for driving Thailand's agricultural economy and fostering sustainable development.
In light of the ongoing Middle East conflict, the Ministry has also outlined urgent measures to support cooperatives. These include promoting cooperative-produced fertilizers, managing fuel supply, providing financial support from the Cooperative Development Fund, and enhancing the nationwide distribution of cooperative products.
The "Chiang Rai Provincial Cooperative Gathering" serves as a vital platform for communicating government policies and facilitating the exchange of experiences among cooperatives. The Department of Cooperative Promotion has further supported local farmer institutions with marketing equipment worth over 5 million baht to enhance their service capabilities.
Financial assistance was also provided to the Hong Ngaw Tab Tao Agricultural Cooperative Limited, which was affected by the 2024 floods, amounting to 603,562 baht.
Source: Thai News Agency