Published on December 21, 2005

Cabinet backs move to give stock to

The government will provide 250,000 needy families with free cattle next year, a deputy spokesperson said yesterday.

Sansanee Nakpong said the Cabinet approved a plan at its mobile meeting in Sukhothai to buy two million cattle from farmers and distribute two beef cattle each to one million families.

“This is a three-year plan that will kick off next year,” she said.

Some 250,000 families will get 500,000 cattle next year. A further 700,000 cattle will be given to 350,000 families in 2007 and another 800,000 cattle will be distributed to 400,000 families in 2008.

Agriculture Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan said earlier the plan would be implemented first in her native Nakhon Ratchasima because preparations were complete in the province.

Deputy spokesman Danuporn Punnakanta said the Cabinet also approved a framework on how to identify needy families. He said provincial governors were appointed to oversee land-supply surveys in their areas.

Two sub-committees were established under the National Poverty Eradication Centre to take charge of the distribution of land to needy families, he said.

“The Agriculture Ministry will show land recipients how they can make the best use of plots that are given to them.”

Danuporn said Natural Resources and Environment Minister Yongyuth Tiyapairat chaired the sub-committee for land supply while Deputy Interior Minister Sermsak Pongpanit chaired the sub-committee for land demand.

The Cabinet also approved Bt541-million worth of projects for five northern provinces, including Sukhothai.

Planned spending for Sukhothai includes the Bt160-million Kaem Ling project, consisting of reservoirs to prevent seasonal flooding, and a Bt65-million embankment on the Mae Yom River.

About Bt42 million has also been earmarked for the development of Sri Satchanalai Historical Park.

Tak province will receive Bt232 million for flood prevention.

The Nation

Sukhothai

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