"Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives" is the subject. is accelerating support. "vulnerable farmer groups". Issuing proactive measures to reduce production costs, aiming to increase the use of organic fertilizers.
On 27 March 2026, Mr. Winarot Sapsongsuk, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, disclosed after chairing a meeting to discuss strategies for coping with the impacts of the conflict in the Middle East region. The meeting included executives from relevant agencies under the ministry to monitor the situation, analyze impacts, and set response plans to protect Thailand's agricultural sector. It was held at meeting rooms 134-135 at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and via Zoom Meeting. Due to the tensions in the Middle East potentially affecting agriculture and the public, the Prime Minister instructed all agencies to closely monitor the situation and prepare responsive measures, especially to promptly assist vulnerable farmer groups.
Additionally, the Prime Minister emphasized that all agencies should take proactive steps to minimize potential impacts. At the same time, the Secretary-General urged all affiliated units to use this crisis as an opportunity to elevate farmer care standards and enhance systematic, continuous agricultural management, adhering to seamless teamwork principles to ensure the security of Thai farmers.
The Secretary-General revealed that the situation impacts agriculture by increasing production costs, particularly due to rising energy prices affecting production, transportation, and product management, as well as fertilizer and related input costs. Thailand imports over 6 million tons of fertilizer annually. Approaching key production seasons for dry-season rice and economic crops, he assigned relevant agencies—including the Rice Department, Department of Agricultural Extension, Department of Agriculture, Department of Cooperative Promotion, and Department of Land Development—to urgently develop systematic support measures. These include adjusting fertilizer usage patterns by promoting organic and bio-fertilizers alongside chemical fertilizers in a 70:30 ratio, and providing farmers with correct knowledge to effectively reduce costs, with volunteer soil scientists playing a key role in driving this effort.
Furthermore, the Department of Livestock Development was tasked with comprehensive care for animal breeds, feed, and health. The Department of Fisheries was instructed to coordinate the use of cost-effective fuel (B20 diesel) to reduce fishing costs and promote renewable energy use, such as solar cells in aquaculture centers. The Royal Irrigation Department manages water appropriately according to cultivation areas both inside and outside irrigation zones.
Meanwhile, the Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) supports water source development and solar cell systems in agricultural areas. The Department of Cooperative Promotion accelerates development of cooperative services in transportation and logistics, and coordinates with the Agricultural Machinery Association to support timely harvesting. Credit mechanisms and funds are also utilized to assist farmers. Additionally, the Ministry of Agriculture coordinates with the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Energy to seek energy support during production seasons.
The Secretary-General instructed all agencies to promptly analyze and clearly define assistance methods for "vulnerable farmer groups" to establish data for targeted aid measures and budget allocation, ensuring precise implementation. All proposals will be compiled to develop urgent solutions for the first three months and then extended to long-term measures, focusing on integrated cooperation among all ministry agencies for maximum tangible results.
To ensure effective implementation of the planned measures, agencies are required to submit their measures and proposals based on situation analysis and relevant contexts to the Office of Agricultural Economics by next week, for consolidation, drafting, and further joint discussions.