Bangkok: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya The Prime Minister has inaugurated the "Half-Interest Loan" program, providing new opportunities for farmers to access capital. Today, at a ceremony held at the Agricultural Cooperative for Marketing Customers of the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Limited, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, launched the project aimed at reducing production costs for farmers.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister began the ceremony by leading attendees in a moment of silence to honor the late Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, and Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavadi. Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, stated that the Prime Minister warmly greeted the people of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province and detailed the government's initiative to offer a loan program with a 50/50 interest rate. This program is designed to alleviate half of the interest burden on farmers, thereby reducing costs, enhancing liquidity, and improving access to quality production inputs.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of not only providing loans but also creating opportunities for farmers to access low-interest capital. Participants in the program will receive training in management and cost efficiency to maximize their use of production inputs. The government aims to support agricultural advancement through technology and innovation, which includes promoting the strategic use of fertilizers, employing drones in cultivation, and selecting resilient crop varieties to improve productivity.
The government envisions this project as a long-term investment in Thailand's agricultural sector, enhancing stability and providing farmers with the tools necessary to thrive. The Prime Minister expressed hope that the co-payment loan program would boost incomes and improve living standards for farmers across the nation, ensuring a sustainable future for the agricultural industry.
In his concluding remarks, the Prime Minister thanked collaborating agencies for their efforts in driving the project forward and expressed his desire for its success. Following the ceremony, he and his delegation participated in various activities, including a demonstration of agricultural drones and a test drive of a Thai-made electric tractor, indicating the government's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices.
The Prime Minister's Secretariat encouraged public engagement through the "Thai Khu Fah" Facebook page, where citizens can stay updated on government policies and submit feedback, fostering greater public participation in government initiatives.