CHAO PHYA IRRIGATION

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The Third Chao Phya Irrigation Project for Thailand will assist in financing the completion of the water distribution system for the irrigation of 800,000 hectares in the Chao Phya Plain. Agriculture is a large industry in Thailand. Approximately 85 percent of the working population is employed in agriculture. Over 90 percent of total exports originate from agriculture. In order to increase agricultural production, the project will improve the irrigation system in Thailand. Its components are: 1) excavation by machine of approximately 20,000 km of distribution ditches and drains; 2) building of farm dikes by hand and some land leveling; 3) construction of 275 km of feeder roads and dredging of navigation channels; 4) purchase and use of equipment for operation and maintenance; 5) development of the organization for water distribution; 6) reorganization and expansion of experiment and extension services; and 7) surveying of the organization for operation and maintenance. These improvements will increase agricultural production in Thailand in order to meet the needs of the population and economy.