August 21, 2023 | Office of Agricultural Economics, Thailand | Source (in Thai)
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives in Thailand is set to unveil a new agricultural action plan to address climate change for the period 2023-2027. This initiative follows the conclusion of the previous climate change strategy (2017-2022) and a growing awareness of the worsening climate change situation. The plan has a vision of making the Thai agricultural sector resilient to climate change based on information and an enabling environment.
The action plan focuses on five key development areas:
Enhancing Adaptive Capacity: This involves supporting farmers and related sectors throughout the agricultural supply chain to better adapt to climate change, including through climate-sensitive agricultural practices and technology adoption.
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The plan aims to reduce emissions throughout the agricultural supply chain, emphasizing the production of environmentally friendly and low-carbon agricultural products.
Knowledge and Awareness: Developing a knowledge database and raising awareness about climate change impacts, adaptation, and emissions reduction are key components.
Capacity Building: The plan seeks to strengthen the competencies of personnel in agriculture, including knowledge transfer and training.
Integration and Collaboration: This involves collaboration with various agencies both within and outside the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, as well as promoting climate change education, access to credit sources, and financial support.
The draft action plan will be presented to the Agricultural and Cooperative Development Policy and Planning Committee for consideration and approval, chaired by the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives. Once approved, it will be submitted to the National Climate Change Policy Committee for acknowledgment and is expected to be announced and implemented in 2023.
This action plan is significant as it marks the first time Thailand sets targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in support of its nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to address climate change. It aligns with the country's commitment to raising its NDCs targets from 20-25 percent to 25-30 percent by 2030, as announced during COP26.
The plan represents a crucial step toward climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture in Thailand and contributes to global efforts to combat climate change in the agricultural sector.