Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand’s government has greenlighted incentives worth 8 billion THB (225million USD) for sugarcane farmers who agree to cut fresh sugarcane withoutburning the residue, a move aimed at helping reduce the amount of PM2.5 dust inthe 2022-2023 harvest year.

According to Rudklao Suwankiri, the government'sdeputy spokesperson, funding to support the scheme will be sourced from thestate-owned Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives. Underthe scheme, the government will offer farmers who agree to cut fresh sugarcanewithout burning the residue 120 THB (3.4 USD) per tonne. 

According to Rudklao, the government hasidentified the need to urgently address the issue of PM2.5 pollution which hasworsened every year and affects the health of millions of people.

The government then came up with incentives forthe agriculture sector and sought closer cooperation with neighbouringcountries to help tackle these issues.

Rudklao also insisted the incentives offered forthis project do not violate the agreements of the World Trade Organisation(WTO), as they are designed to assist sugarcane farmers in promoting the cuttingof fresh sugarcane, reducing air pollution and PM2.5 dust.

This aligns with WTO provisions under the GreenBox category for environmental protection in agriculture without negativelyimpacting production and commodity prices.

Thailand's sugar cane output is estimated at 82.4 milliontonnes in the 2023-2024 crop year, with domestic sugar consumption projected at25.7 million sacks, which represents 2.57 million tonnes./.