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Thailand’s National Farmers Council |
| Source: |
thailand.prd.go.th |
| Source Date: |
Thursday, January 13, 2011 |
| Focus: |
Electronic and Mobile Government, Citizen Engagement, Internet Governance
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| Country: |
Thailand |
| Created: |
Jan 18, 2011 |
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The successful setting up of the National Farmers Council will benefit not only farmers, who make up the majority of the Thai population, but also the Thai economy and food security.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva spoke about the benefits of the council on January 11, when he held a briefing on the establishment of the National Farmers Council in accordance with the 2010 National Farmers Council Act. Attending the briefing at Government House were provincial governors, agriculture officials, representatives from related organizations, and members of the media.
The Prime Minister said that the council would become a firm foundation for democratic development, since it involves a great number of people who are connected with agriculture, the mainstay of the Thai economy. The National Farmers Council Act calls for the setting up of both the National Farmers Council and the Provincial Farmers Council.
He stressed the need to provide better knowledge and understanding about the importance of both councils among the people and those who are eligible to elect members of the councils. Moreover, government agencies and the councils must work closely, so that state policies and measures would be able to respond to the real needs of farmers.
The National Farmers Council is responsible for addressing farmers’ problems and offering suggestions to the Cabinet on guidelines to tackle the problems. It will also work out a master plan for agricultural development, while empowering farmers and agricultural organizations. The election of the first-ever National Farmers Council is scheduled for 2011.
Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Theera Wongsamut said that the National Farmers Council comprises three types of members. The first type consists of presidents of provincial farmers councils in 76 provinces; they are elected from knowledgeable and experienced persons in the field of agriculture. The second type consists of 16 representatives of farmers organizations, who are elected by members of the first type. The third type comprises seven experts, who are elected from members of the first and second types.
As for the Provincial Farmers Council, it is composed of two types of members. The first type is made up of 16 elected representatives. If any province has more than 16 districts, its number of representatives will be the same as that of districts. The second type comprises five knowledgeable and experienced persons in the field of agriculture.
The Cabinet has approved a fund of 357.74 million baht for the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to use in organizing the election and the operations of the National Farmers Council. Prime Minister Abhisit stated that the election must be free and fair at all steps, so that members of the council would reflect the real voice of the people.
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Thailand’s National Farmers Council The successful setting up of the National Farmers Council will benefit not only farmers who make up the majority of the Thai population but also the Thai economy and food security
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