Bangkok, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Revealed to accelerate coordination with the governors of Chachoengsao and Samut Prakan provinces according to the minister's orders. Thammanat to solve the basic problem for farmers from salt water encroaching on the Prawet Canal and its branch canals. At this time, the Royal Irrigation Department is rushing to pump out salt water and drain fresh water to expel salt water. Until the salinity value stabilizes, it is expected that in the next 2-3 days it will be clear that The damage to farmers is severe to the point of having to declare a disaster zone or how to restore damaged agricultural products. Mr. Prayoon Insakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, said Has coordinated with the governors of Chachoengsao and Samut Prakan provinces to jointly solve the problem of salt water intruding into the Prawet Burirom Canal. According to the orders of Captain Thammanat Phromphao, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives w ho cares about farmers and the people. Recently received a report from the Royal Irrigation Department that From monitoring the situation of saltwater encroaching on Prawet Burirom Canal and various branch canals. From the area of ??the Phra Thammaracha water gate Bueng Nam Rak Subdistrict, Thanyaburi District, Pathum Thani Province to the Tha Nua water pumping station Ban Pho District Chachoengsao Province found that the salinity values ??in branch canals began to decrease and tended to improve. The Royal Irrigation Department has blocked and constructed a semi-permanent weir. (steel structure) to replace the original temporary embankment to help permanently prevent the problem of saltwater flowing back into the canal. Along with installing water pumps and water boosters to expedite saltwater drainage from Prawet Burirom Canal and various branch canals. Continuously released into the Bang Pakong River Including additional water drainage from the Pasak Cholasit Dam. Then transport water from the upper area t hrough the Bueng Farang flood gate to transport the water to the Nakhon Canal as the area is used to help dilute the salt water. At the same time, water trucks were also supported to distribute tap water. Helping areas suffering from the fact that in some areas the village water supply system is unable to pump water from canals to produce tap water. There is also a plan to construct a temporary embankment around Khlong Nakhon Nueang Khet to raise the water level to flow into Khlong Preng and Khlong Prawet. To help dilute the saltwater as quickly as possible. As well as eliminating water hyacinths in the canal to reduce water spoilage in the canal. If citizens or any agencies need help, they can contact the Prince Chaiyanuchit Water Delivery and Maintenance Project at any time. From a preliminary survey of farmers' damage, it was found that Agricultural areas for crops and fish farming in cages were damaged. Therefore, he ordered the Department of Agricultural Extension and the Department of Fisheries to clo sely monitor the situation and compile agricultural damage and submit it to the Ministry in order to consider ways to help with recovery. If severe and widespread damage is found Will coordinate with provincial governors to consider declaring a disaster area to pay compensation in accordance with Ministry of Finance regulations. Department of Agricultural Extension reports that In Chachoengsao Province, there are 3 districts affected by agricultural crops: Ban Pho District Mueang Chachoengsao District and Bang Pakong District In Ban Pho District There are 5 sub-districts affected, 1 farmer affected, area 3 rai, mixed crop type. Mueang Chachoengsao District There are 6 sub-districts affected, 11 farmers affected, total area approximately 2 rai 3 ngan, vegetable type and Bang Pakong District. There are 2 sub-districts affected, 6 farmers affected, total area approximately 2 rai, types of vegetables and ornamental plants. The Samut Prakan Provincial Agriculture Office reported that Preliminary damage survey re sults On the plant side, there is no direct damage to plants. This is because farmers plant fruit trees, including mangoes, coconuts, and bananas, along fish ponds. The District Agriculture Office has been assigned to continuously survey damaged areas in every sub-district of Bang Bo District. For the criteria for providing assistance to farmers affected by crop disasters According to the Ministry of Finance's regulations regarding government advances to assist victims of emergency disasters, B.E. 2019, criteria for spending government advances to assist victims of emergency disasters, B.E. 2020, and the regulations on minor procedures regarding Providing agricultural assistance to those affected by emergency disasters in 2021. Farmers who will receive assistance. Must register farmers and update farmer registration with the Department of Agricultural Extension before disasters occur. The area is actually a damaged area. Located in the area declared as the assistance area. The assistance will not exceed 30 r ai per household at the rate of rice 1,340 baht per rai, crops and vegetables 1,980 baht per rai, and perennial fruit trees and others 4,048 baht per rai. The National Water Resources Office (ONWR) is preparing to set up a temporary water resource management unit in times of crisis at the Phra Chaiyanuchit Water Delivery and Maintenance Project. Chachoengsao Province The situation will be assessed over a period of 3 days. If the amount of water in the Pasak Cholasit Dam is insufficient to continuously dilute the salinity, Will consider requesting water from Bhumibol Dam and Sirikit Dam to be used for further support. During this time, the Pollution Control Department will continuously measure water quality and the Department of Groundwater Resources will provide temporary water sources for consumption. To alleviate the suffering of the people From the inspection, it was found that Chachoengsao Province is the most affected area at this time. Chachoengsao Province is considering declaring disaster affected areas in order to expedite assistance to affected people. Including farmers and fishermen who continue to raise aquatic animals in the area. In this regard, ONWR will cooperate with various agencies. To consider an action plan to solve water quality problems in areas affected by saltwater intrusion. Chachoengsao Province and Samut Prakan Province The most important thing is the treatment of water quality in various canals. which is used for both consumption Agriculture and fisheries return to normal. We will expedite action to prevent impacts that will cause widespread damage. Source: Thai News Agency