Free rice seeds for farmers

The Rice Department will distribute 72,100 tonnes of rice seeds worth 1.72 billion baht to assist flood-affected farmers.

The latest survey by the Agricultural Extension Department found that 9.01 million rai of rice paddies nationwide have been flooded during the past three months, with 7.21 million rai suffering damage, said Chairit Damrongkiat, the Rice Department's director-general.

To relieve the suffering of farmers in affected areas, the government will distribute free seeds at a proportion of 10 kilogrammes per rai.

Mr Chairit said the distribution will extend from this month until next July, with the first allocation of 33,166 tonnes meant for planting right after the floodwaters recede.

The remaining 38,934 tonnes will be used for the main 2012 crop.

"The seeds can yield 3.2 million tonnes of paddy and generate more than 55 billion baht in farm income. Plus the harvested paddy can be replanted in the following season," said Mr Chairit.

Eligible farmers must be registered with the Agricultural Extension Department and have suffered damage to more than half their farmland. Seed distribution will be limited to 10 rai per farmer.

Mr Chairit said his department has sent out 50 teams to educate farmers on post-flooding treatment of their land and check how the 2,015 rice communities have been affected.

Hard-hit communities can receive up to 3 tonnes of rice seeds.

The Agriculture Ministry said the floods could cut 3.5 to 4 million tonnes of paddy from previous estimates, while the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) believes the total loss could amount to 4.5 million tonnes.

Morakot Pitharat, a BAAC executive vice-president, said 427,561 customers with total outstanding debt of 41.3 billion baht have been hit by the floods.

These customers cultivate 5.3 million rai of rice, 570,000 rai of other crops, 46,934 rai of fisheries and 109,000 heads of livestock and poultry.

Thirty-two customers owing a combined 2 million baht died from the flooding, and the BAAC will write off debt.

It will also suspend debts for three years while providing loans of up to 100,000 baht for each customer to get back on his feet and 30,000 to 50,000 baht for house repairs.

Mr Morakot said the BAAC will also offer skills training for its customers to prepare them for post-flooding rehabilitation demand in Bangkok.