Bangkok: The Ministry of Agriculture has partnered with Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited and BBGI Public Company Limited to unveil the “Reduce Burning, Reduce Dust” project aimed at combating the issue of PM 2.5 dust emissions by encouraging the use of microorganisms to decompose rice stubble and straw instead of burning them.
According to Thai News Agency, the initiative was officially launched during a signing ceremony presided over by Mr. Prayoon Insakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. This collaboration also involves the Department of Agricultural Extension and the Department of Land Development, marking a significant step towards sustainable agricultural practices in Thailand. The project, set to commence in October 2024, will initially cover a pilot area of 59,000 rai across six provinces around Bangkok including Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Saraburi, Lopburi, Chai Nat, and Suphan Buri.
Mr. Prayoon highlighted the critical need for farmers to adopt non-bur
ning agricultural methods, emphasizing that the use of microorganisms not only helps tackle the dust pollution problem but also enhances soil quality and creates economic value from agricultural waste. This approach is expected to encourage farmers to shift towards more environmentally friendly and sustainable farming practices.
Mrs. Kloyta Na Talang, Senior Executive Vice President at Bangchak, expressed the company’s commitment to supporting farmers through environmentally sustainable innovations. She noted that the microorganisms developed can decompose rice stubble efficiently within just 7 days, reducing the need for burning and contributing to long-term soil fertility.
Mr. Kittipong Limsuwanroj, CEO of BBGI, added that their research and collaboration have led to the creation of products that are easy to use and effective in reducing the need for stubble burning, fostering sustainable agriculture, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Furthermore, Mr. Peerapan Kothong, Director-General of the Depart
ment of Agricultural Extension, stressed the importance of technological solutions and real results in changing farmers’ behavior. He mentioned that successful tests have shown that microorganisms can decompose rice stubble and straw rapidly, which has been well-received by the farmers, leading to a significant behavioral shift towards non-burning practices.