This year’s flood has so far damaged agriculture in Thailand’s central and lower northern regions by more than Bt2.2 billion in losses, according to Kasetsart University.

Measuring cumulative damage and making predictions from the data received is a function of the Kasetsart University agricultural economics office Foresight Center for Agriculture, which reported the impact of flooding on the country’s cultivated areas, especially rice fields, on 1.37 million rai of farmland in 14 provinces.

Centre director Jaruk Singhapreecha said the report was analysed and compiled in conjunction with Agricultural Economics Office, and the Princess Chulabhorn Satellite Receiving Station at Bangkok’s Kasetsart University.

The 14 provinces included Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Suphan Buri, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Chai Nat, Lopburi, Nakhon Sawan, Phetchabun, Uthai Thani, Sing Buri, and Saraburi.

Farmers adjusted their planting schedules, growing rice earlier, in time for harvesting in August, resulting in a 69 per cent successful harvest before the floods.

According to the report, 0.43 million rai of rice paddies have been damaged by flooding, or 3 per cent of the cultivated rice fields in the 14 provinces, and 0.7 per cent countrywide.

Consequently, rice production this year will decline by at least 210,000 tonnes, or 0.8 per cent of the country’s rice production, estimated at Bt2.2 billion in value. (MCOT online news)