July 1, 2000
AGRICULTURE Farmers not opposed to water charge But want a better distribution system Somkiat Junturasima Farmer groups from 15 watershed areas of the Ping river basin are receptive to the government's proposed water charge in exchange for an improved water distribution system. At a recent brainstorming session here, Chiang Mai and Lamphun farmers were presented with a proposed pilot project on water resource management for the upper part of the Ping river basin. Under the proposal, the groups are to take the lead in drafting a comprehensive master plan on water resource management. The pilot project is in line with the policy matrix submitted to the Asian Development Bank which requires Thailand to impose a fee for the use of water for agricultural purposes. The condition attached to a US$600-million loan for agricultural sector reform has drawn criticism and opposition from some other farmer networks and non-government organisations. Although a master plan is not yet in place, small working groups have been set up to supervise water resource management in the upper part of the Ping river basin. They are tasked with developing a database on water resources, preparing water development projects and settling disputes over water distribution. The information would also be used for a study into the role and structure of an organisation supervising a river basin system required by the water resource draft bill. Apichart Anukulampai, a water expert and project adviser attached to the Asian Development Bank, said farmers welcome the proposed project because it is similar to the traditional water management system called muang fai in the North. Farmers who share the same water source would pay a fee to a committee appointed to manage and distribute water supplies. Promma Kengkla, chairman of Ma Nai water users group in Chiang Dao district, suggested that in the first stage of implementation the project be overseen by a local committee appointed by farmers in each of the catchment areas. A tambon administrative organisation can take charge after five years as all concerned parties would be familiar with the system by then, Mr Promma said. The seminar was also attended by representatives of water users from the industrial sector. Farmer representatives suggested that the water fee should also be imposed on other groups of water users, not only on farm groups. According to Mr Apichart, farmers in the lower part of the Ping river basin also voiced support for the pilot project. Their main concern was whether there would be adequate supplies of water to go around, said the project adviser. Mr Apichart said a water fee is based on three principles-sharing the state's burden, creating water usage awareness and promoting public participation in water resource management.		Daily Main Entrance Page Local News Business Outlook Weekly IT news Horizons Travel NiteOwl (Trink) Real.Time Motoring Student Weekly Entertainment & Lifestyle What's on Dining out Recipe of the week Movies Music Book Review Beauty Fitness Nutrition NEW! Prominent Businesses Travel Thailand & beyond Special Publications Current Issues in Thailand Silpa Thai site Bangkok Post Year-end Economic Review Post Database 10 years Annual Report Education Learn English with the Bangkok Post Society We Care Phudhong Leper Colony Foundation Bangkok Post Newspaper Foundation Past Issues Calendar Page for recent issues Bangkok Post Archives by Samart Classifieds Classifieds index Jobs Property Entertainment Investment Education Travel Sales Bookstore Post Books Company Services Contact Us Subscriptions Internet Advertising Classified Ads Allied Printers
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