The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) plans to help farmers survive the likely recession caused by the pandemic by relying on modern agricultural projects launched as part of a 10-billion-baht economic relief package.
The FTI plans to equip farmers with business know-how to sell their crops via online platforms and add more value to their products, encouraging them to cooperate more closely with industries specialising in agriculture.
The goal is to improve the rural economy, a goal set by the Industry Ministry, which is working with the FTI on the various projects, said Kriangkrai Tiannukul, vice-chairman of the federation.
Last week, the FTI discussed the issue with the industry committee for a Thai economic and social recovery plan at a meeting chaired by Warawan Chitaroon, the deputy permanent secretary for industry.
The committee has joined the government's efforts to cope with the impact of the coronavirus crisis.
Mr Kriangkrai said farmers' purchasing power will rise once the rural economy recovers and strengthens. The FTI expects to launch the new agricultural projects in all regions.
"We focus on developing regional agriculture by building connections with related industries," he said, referring to farmers' new business partners in the agriculture machinery sector, as well as those doing projects like irrigation development to tackle drought.
The FTI is also preparing marketing programmes to enable local farmers to gain easier access to e-commerce platforms.
The Industry Ministry is expected to ask the government to green-light its 10-billion-baht economic recovery scheme aimed at helping farmers, community enterprises and SMEs.
The money is part of a 400-billion-baht package the government will use to remedy the ailing economy.
The National Economic and Social Development Council earlier approved guidelines for directing 400 billion baht towards economic and social rehabilitation under the government's larger 1.9-trillion-baht relief package to soften the economic blow from the viral outbreak.
The agency will screen projects and later propose them to the cabinet for approval by July 7.