Thai government approves 8 billion baht scheme to tackle PM2.5 pollution

To mitigate the escalating PM2.5 pollution problem, the government recently approved a scheme worth 8 billion baht designed to incentivise sugarcane farmers to modify their harvesting methods. The initiative, which is set to be implemented in the 2022/23 harvest year, encourages farmers to cut fresh sugarcane without burning the residue, a practice known to be a significant contributor to the pollution issue.

The state-owned Bank for Agricultural and Agricultural Cooperatives will be the source of the funding for the scheme, confirmed Deputy Spokesperson for the Government Rudklao Suwankiri. Participating farmers who harvest their crops without burning the residue will receive a compensation of 120 baht per tonne.

This decision by the Cabinet aligns with a resolution made during a meeting of the Cane and Sugar Board, led by the permanent secretary of the Industry…