Dhanin Urges Thailand to Expand Irrigation, Saying Water Could Lift Farm Output 5-Fold
Updated
Updated · Nation Thailand · May 16
Dhanin Urges Thailand to Expand Irrigation, Saying Water Could Lift Farm Output 5-Fold
2 articles · Updated · Nation Thailand · May 16
At a Government House forum, CP senior chairman Dhanin Chearavanont pressed the Thai government to make water management the centerpiece of economic policy, arguing it is the main constraint on agriculture.
Water access could let farmers plant up to three times a year, he said, while better management could raise output per rai by as much as fivefold and lift rural incomes.
Dhanin called for faster investment in irrigation, reservoirs and nationwide water distribution, comparing it to past efforts to extend electricity and roads to every village.
He also proposed agro-industrial estates that combine farming, processing, transport and markets, saying AI, automation and smarter logistics can cut costs and support higher-value food products.
The broader pitch was that Thailand should treat agriculture and food as "oil above the ground"—a renewable growth engine for competitiveness and long-term food security.
Can Thailand's high-tech farming dream survive its critical shortage of skilled agri-tech workers?
With new EU eco-rules looming, can Thailand's small exporters afford to stay in the global market?
Securing Thailand’s Future: The Critical Role of Modern Irrigation in Water Security, Food Resilience, and Global Agricultural Competitiveness
Overview
This report highlights the urgent need for water security in agriculture, as emphasized by leaders who stress that water is more vital than oil for food production. It explains how farmers’ livelihoods are directly tied to water availability, especially as climate change brings unpredictable weather like severe droughts and heatwaves. The report details how emerging El Niño conditions threaten Asia with prolonged dry spells, making modern irrigation systems essential. By connecting these climate risks to the struggles of farmers and the importance of reliable water management, the report underscores why investing in irrigation is crucial for food security and rural stability.