"Suriya and Watcharapol" are monitoring progress in water resource development, transportation, and agricultural output to enhance farmers' quality of life in the area. Tags: [government ministers, water resource development, transportation, agriculture, rural development, Nakhon Phanom]
On 14 August 2026, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Suriya Jungrungreangkit, accompanied by Deputy Minister Watcharapol Khawkhum, conducted an official inspection at Huai Kan Luang and Huai Sri Khun reservoirs in Na Kae district, Nakhon Phanom province. The visit aimed to track progress in water resource development, transportation of agricultural products, and efforts to improve the quality of life for local farmers.Tags: [official inspection, Nakhon Phanom, water reservoirs, agriculture, transportation, farmers]
Minister Suriya stated that he has tasked the Royal Irrigation Department with urgently preparing rehabilitation plans for both reservoirs to boost water storage capacity and better manage flood situations during the rainy season. This effort also includes developing the sites into new tourist landmarks to stimulate the local economy. Currently, public hearings are underway to gather community feedback. Additionally, he reviewed the flood prevention and mitigation project in Nakhon Phanom's economic zone (Huai Hong Ho), where the Royal Irrigation Department is conducting surveys and design work to systematically resolve flood and drought problems. The project includes upgrading 17 kilometers of Huai Hong Ho to become an agricultural and nature tourism destination that can generate income for local communities.Tags: [water reservoir rehabilitation, flood prevention, economic development, tourism, community involvement, Nakhon Phanom]
The Minister added that currently only about 20% of agricultural land in Nakhon Phanom benefits from irrigation systems. Therefore, it is necessary to rapidly enhance water storage and distribution capacity in a systematic way. The Ministry also supports establishing a Nakhon Phanom Rice Seed Center to distribute quality rice varieties, increase the value of local products, and plans to review the “Blossoming Flowers along the Mekong Nakhon Phanom” project to link cross-border agricultural tourism with Laos.Tags: [irrigation, rice seed center, local products, agricultural tourism, cross-border cooperation, Laos, Nakhon Phanom]
"The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is committed to driving the policy of 'Innovative Agriculture for Sustainability' alongside systematic water resource management to ensure farmers have sufficient water for consumption and farming throughout the year. I emphasize that all agencies must integrate transparently with local authorities and maximize public participation," Minister Suriya concluded.Tags: [agricultural policy, sustainability, water management, public participation, transparency, Ministry of Agriculture]