To prevent sugarcane farmers from burning their crops, Thailand’s Ministry of Industry plans to submit a measure to the cabinet.
Cane farmers in Thailand often put their fields on the blaze to clear weeds and make way for easier harvesting. However, such fires contribute to the ongoing smog crisis in the country.
According to news report in pattayamail.com, Industry Ministry Permanent Secretary Phasu Loharachun said the measure, to be implemented in the 2019-2020 season, will allow sugar mills to buy a maximum of 30 percent of burned cane per day, followed by a maximum of 20 percent per day in the 2020-2021 season, and a maximum of 5 percent per day in 2021-2022 season. After a three-year time frame, no burned sugarcane would be available for sale.
To equalize the losses, The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) will provide 2 million baht in loans per annum for sugarcane farmers and associated industries. The interest rates will be collected at just 1 percent per annum.
