2025-01-20
Thailand is stepping up its fight against PM2.5 air pollution caused by burning agricultural fields during the sugarcane harvest. The government has introduced new, tougher guidelines banning the burning of sugarcane and other crops, with severe penalties for violations.
An innovative addition is the use of AI drones, which now monitor over 10 rai of sugarcane fields to identify fresh and burnt crops, improving both efficiency and sustainability in agriculture.
Government spokesman Anukul Pruksanusak stressed that agricultural cooperatives in at-risk zones must comply with the new rules. Farmers who violate the guidelines risk losing ownership of their land or having delayed access to ownership certificates.
This comprehensive strategy demonstrates Thailand’s commitment to reducing air pollution and protecting public health, especially during the harvest season. The government continues to work with modern solutions and strict legislation to ensure cleaner air for all residents.
Sugarcane production in Thailand
- The world's second largest exporter: Thailand is one of the world's leading exporters of sugar, second only to Brazil.
- Production: The country produces over 100 million tons of sugarcane annually.
- Employment: The industry employs hundreds of thousands of people, both directly in agriculture and indirectly in transportation and production.
- The impact of burning: Sugarcane burning is a common method to simplify harvesting, but contributes to dangerous levels of PM2.5 air pollution.
- Modernization: The government is now encouraging modern technology such as harvesting machines and AI drones to reduce reliance on burning.
Text: The editorial staff
Image license: Herney, Pixabay, original image