Chaiyaphum Sugarcane Farmers Adopt New Technology to Cut PM2.5 Pollution

Sugarcane farmers in Chaiyaphum’s Bamnet Narong District have united to implement a modern approach to sugarcane harvesting in a bid to reduce harmful PM2.5 dust emissions. This initiative, launched on January 29, 2025, aims to eliminate the practice of burning sugarcane fields and adopt advanced cutting technology that helps mitigate pollution and safeguard the environment.

The event, held at a sugarcane plantation in Ban Nong Dong, Hua Thale Subdistrict, featured a campaign titled “Sugarcane Farmers Join Together to Refrain from Burning, Reduce Dust with Alternatives.” The initiative is a response to the persistent high levels of PM2.5 pollution in Chaiyaphum, which has been at dangerous levels for over a week. The pollution is primarily caused by agricultural burning, along with exhaust emissions from industrial factories and vehicles.

Chaiyaphum’s Deputy Governor, Mr. Ballung Waithasiri, alongside Lieutenant Commander Tharatip Phahonphinyo, District Chief of Bamnet Narong, and other local leaders, highlighted the significant risks posed by the ongoing dust problem. They stressed the importance of transitioning to more sustainable farming practices to protect public health and improve air quality in the region.

Bamnet Narong District, which is home to approximately 30,000 rai of sugarcane plantations, has long struggled with the practice of burning sugarcane fields to reduce costs. Farmers traditionally burn their crops before cutting them to avoid the expense of hiring manual labor. However, this results in a substantial increase in PM2.5 levels, creating a pressing environmental concern.

During the campaign, officials demonstrated how sugarcane can be cut without burning, using modern machinery instead of open flames. This change is expected to help reduce the harmful dust levels, which have been consistently hazardous to residents. The demonstration also included showcasing the use of sugarcane leaves, which can now be fed into machines to generate electricity for local factories, further promoting sustainability.

While many local farmers support the new cutting techniques, challenges remain. One key issue is the insufficient number of sugarcane harvesters, with only 20 available in Bamnet Narong District to service the area’s extensive plantations. Farmers have faced long wait times for harvesting equipment, and many fear they will miss their window to deliver sugarcane before factories close for the season. The high cost of sugarcane cutting machines, which can exceed 10 million baht, has added to the difficulty.

Despite these challenges, the initiative has been met with general approval from the farming community. However, officials acknowledge that more efforts are needed to address the shortage of harvesting equipment. Mr. Waithasiri, the Deputy Governor, noted that the provincial government is working on solutions to provide additional machinery and support for the farmers in need.

Since the start of the campaign, law enforcement in Chaiyaphum has ramped up efforts to prevent illegal burning, with 14 individuals arrested for violating the burning prohibition in recent weeks. The province is also exploring additional measures to combat air pollution, focusing on stricter enforcement and greater awareness about alternative farming techniques.

The implementation of this cutting-edge technology is seen as a crucial step in reducing the region’s environmental impact and improving the health and quality of life for residents. The authorities are urging farmers to embrace these innovations, while also calling for government intervention to address the mechanical shortages that hinder their widespread adoption.