20 banks of fishery products to open this year

BANGKOK, March 4 (TNA) -- The Department of Fisheries plans to open 20 community-based banks of fishery products this year to improve farmers’ life. Adisorn Promthep, director-general of the department, said the banks would be introduced in seven northern provinces and 13 northeastern provinces. In the North, they will be in Chiang Rai, Kamphaeng Phet, Lampang, Lamphun, Phayao, Tak and Uttaradit provinces. In the Northeast they will be in Amnat Charoen, Bung Kan, Buri Ram, Khon Kaen, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Roi Et, Sakon Nakhon, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Udon Thani and Yasothon. Local farmers in selected communities would learn to raise aquatic animals to meet local consumption demands and generate extra income. Banks of fishery products would empower farmers’ communities and enable them to make the most use of their local fishery products, Mr Adisorn said. In the project, the Department of Fisheries would supply giant freshwater prawns and fish of several species for farmers to raise in selected water sources. The department would also provide them with fish feed. The banks would then manage fishery products from the selected ponds and share benefits among the farmers who were their shareholders, Mr Adisorn said. (TNA)