PHICHIT -- People are being taught how to make their own large concreted jars to store rainwater for home use during the dry season under a training project launched by the army.
In Phichit province the scheme is under the aegis of the 36th Military Circle, according to media reports.
A group of soldiers arrived at the house of Chang Srikares at Ban Nong Raman village in Wang Sai Phun district on Thursday to be trained to make the giant jars, which are a traditional method of storage.
Maj Gen Supoj Buranajaree, commander of the 36th Military Circle, said Mr Chang was a well-known jar-maker in the province. Each of the largest jars he produces could hold up to 1,900 litres of water.
The intention is for the soldiers to complete training and then be deployed through the 12 districts of Phichit to teach people how to make the jars.
Maj Gen Supoj said the army project is in line with the government's policy to promote occupational training and self-reliance.
Similar programmes are in place in other provinces throughout the country.
In Sakon Nakhon, where a similar scheme was launched about two weeks ago, the cost of materials for an 1,800-litre water jar is 500 baht, Pratuan Kajhonvuttinun reported.
Each jar can be sold at the market for 900 baht without a cover, which costs an extra 150 baht.