Kamphaeng Phet:Professor Dr. Yotsanun Wongsawat is advocating for a mega-project valued at over 400 million baht in Sai Ngam District, focusing on the "Khlong Huai Noi" canal to address agricultural water conflicts. This initiative seeks to introduce innovative solutions from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation to alleviate poverty in the region.
According to Thai News Agency, Professor Dr. Yotsanun, who serves as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, visited a water management project at Sai Ngam Kindergarten School. During his visit, he engaged with local residents to address their concerns. The visit was attended by Mr. Surasit Wongwittayanant and Mr. Noppol Pholamnuay, MPs for Kamphaeng Phet, Mr. Thanakorn Rattanakorn from the Prime Minister's Secretariat, and executives from the Ministry, along with other government agencies.
The field visit centered on solving irrigation issues in the "3R-MC Canal," an 18.2-kilometer waterway crucial to over 108,125 rai of agricultural land between Sai Ngam and Lan Krabue districts. The Royal Irrigation Department highlighted that the current irrigation structures have deteriorated over 20 years of use, leading to water shortages and disputes among farmers.
To combat these challenges, the Royal Irrigation Department proposed a 405 million baht plan to enhance the Huai Noi Canal irrigation system. Scheduled for the 2028 fiscal year, this plan includes a 63 million baht pilot project to upgrade eight movable sluice gates, aiming to improve water management and resolve community conflicts sustainably.
Professor Dr. Yotsanun expressed the government’s commitment to addressing the local population's needs, emphasizing that their work is not divided by ministry but prioritizes public welfare. He noted the urgency of constructing a drainage weir to ensure adequate water supply and prevent future disputes.
Beyond water management, the Deputy Prime Minister instructed the integration of technology and innovation to boost income and alleviate poverty. Pilot projects will support agricultural machinery, customized fertilizers, soil analysis, and the development of disease-resistant crops. Additionally, promoting the "Thai Harvest Festival - Bananas and Local Products of Kamphaeng Phet" as a tourist attraction aims to stimulate the local economy.
He stressed the importance of making taxpayer-funded research accessible to the public to enhance income opportunities. Kamphaeng Phet Rajabhat University has been tasked with assessing community needs to organize training and poverty alleviation projects in collaboration with various agencies, reaffirming the commitment to the region's development.