Amphawa:The Mueang Mai Subdistrict Administrative Organization has allocated over 1 million baht to construct a flood barrier aimed at saving nearly 300 rai of pomelo orchards in Amphawa, which have been underwater for more than 20 days.
According to Thai News Agency, the flooding situation in Samut Songkhram province has severely impacted local farmers, particularly those cultivating pomelo orchards, a crucial cash crop for the region. With many areas inundated for over 20 days, there is an urgent need to protect the pomelo trees from damage and potential death. Local authorities have been actively seeking solutions to safeguard the orchards that remain salvageable.
Mr. Somsak Rattanakorn, the mayor of Muang Mai Subdistrict in Amphawa District, spearheaded an inspection of Villages 4 and 5 to strategize the flood barrier construction around the agricultural land. A private company has been contracted for 1,070,000 baht to block six sections of the Lam Pradong canal. The initiative also involves elevating road levels and filling low-lying areas with crushed stone to form a continuous dike around the pomelo orchards. This measure is intended to prevent external water ingress and facilitate the pumping out of floodwaters to lower water levels and mitigate damage to the pomelo trees.
Samut Songkhram Governor Chayachai Saeng-in and Deputy Governor Korakod Wongsuwan have stressed the province's commitment to supporting and coordinating with relevant agencies to enhance the efficiency of flood mitigation efforts. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of local administrative organizations in addressing flooding challenges, with the province's support aimed at preserving the vital pomelo orchards. While it remains uncertain if all pomelo trees can be saved, concerted efforts are underway to prevent further loss, recognizing the prolonged flooding threatens both this year's harvest and the long-term viability of the trees, which are integral to the farmers' livelihoods.