Sisaket: Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, has pledged to ensure that the Sriratana District in Sisaket Province will have electricity by the end of April to support durian cultivation. This initiative is aimed at boosting the local economy through the export of high-quality durian to China, a market with a high demand for the fruit.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Anutin, accompanied by key government officials, visited the Rai Sang Fan area in Sri Rattana District to engage with local durian farmers. During his visit, he emphasized the importance of providing electricity to facilitate water pumping, a critical requirement for durian farming due to the fruit's high water consumption. He acknowledged the challenges posed by last year's drought, which affected durian orchards in regions like Chumphon Province, and highlighted the need for infrastructure improvements to support the agricultural sector.
Mr. Anutin shared insights from his recent diplomatic mission to China, where Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed a keen interest in importing high-quality Mon Thong durian from Thailand. He noted that this presents a lucrative opportunity for Thai farmers, as the Chinese market is more receptive to durian compared to Western countries. Mr. Anutin, who admitted to being a durian enthusiast but not an expert in agriculture, underscored the government's commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of local farmers by ensuring the necessary infrastructure is in place.
The Minister stressed the urgency of the electricity project, noting that the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) is under the purview of the Ministry of Interior. He indicated that the completion of this project is a priority, with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and the PEA's leadership actively involved. Mr. Supachai Ekoun, the current Governor of the PEA, assured Mr. Anutin that the project would be completed by April, prompting Mr. Anutin to humorously question, "Which April?" to emphasize the need for timely execution.
Mr. Anutin reiterated the government's responsibility to address the needs of the people and improve their quality of life, highlighting that the expansion of electricity infrastructure is a key component of this mandate. The initiative reflects the government's broader strategy to alleviate hardships and promote prosperity among Thai citizens, particularly in rural areas reliant on agriculture.