The Department of Royal Irrigation (DRI) says there will be enough water for harvesting in the dry season, but the drought will continue in the northern regions.
The volume of water in four major dams — Bhumibol dam in Tak province, Sirikit dam in Uttaradit, Pa Sak Jolasid dam in Lop Buri province and Kwai Noi Bumrung Dan dam in Phitsanulok province — are at more than 70% of their capacities, which is a necessary level to supply farm areas.
He blamed falling water levels in Ubolratana dam in Khon Kaen and Mae Mok reservoir in Sukhothai province, which each hold less than 35% of their capacity.
About 410,000 paddy fields in both provinces do not have enough water to supply them through the dry season.
Five major reservoirs are also drying up, with water levels at less than 50% of capacity.
The situation, however, looks brighter for the eastern region.
Surasee Kittimonton, head of the Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department, said staff are planning to conduct more artificial rainmaking to feed an additional 30 million cubic metres across 120 reservoirs by the end of next month.
Currently, the department has conducted artificial rainmaking for 4,299 flights over 223 days to provide enough rain to feed 181 million rai of farmland in 58 provinces.
In another development, Gen Chatchai Sarikulya, deputy prime minister, told the media 38 water-related agencies will be relocated to a new organisation, the Ministry of Water, which is expected to take effect in the near future.
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