Farmers in Udon Thani province are threatening to protest if their sugarcane crops are left to rot, following a government ban on the region’s largest sugar mill from purchasing crops
A large group of farmers has been gathered outside the Thai Sugar Udon Thani mill since Wednesday, demanding that their harvest, which is stored in approximately 2,000 trucks, be purchased. The farmers learned that the Industry Ministry had instructed the mill to halt further purchases of charred sugarcane.
According to the Thai media, the mill had reportedly exceeded its 25% mandatory limit by purchasing over 410,000 tonnes of burned sugarcane.
Thirachai Saenkaew, president of the Northeastern Sugarcane Farmers Association, stated on Friday that the farmers are hoping the mill will buy the remaining crops. If not, they will take to the streets in protest, possibly using their trucks to block roads. Thirachai, who is also an MP with the ruling Pheu Thai Party, mentioned that the mill has sent a letter to the Department of Industrial Works seeking a resolution, reported The Nation.
Recently, the Ministry of Industry ordered the immediate closure of a sugar mill in Udon Thani province, after the facility was found to have bought burned sugarcane in excess of the maximum quota of 25% of production capacity.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has instructed the Cabinet to ensure that this year’s PM2.5 pollution levels are lower than the previous year’s. PM2.5, or dust particles measuring less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, can be inhaled deep into the lungs, passing into the bloodstream and lodging in other organs, and cause serious health issues, particularly for those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions.
In response to the PM’s directive, the Industry Ministry imposed a ban on purchasing burned agricultural products like sugarcane and corn. The Prime Minister has also directed the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, along with the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry, to find alternative solutions for the farmers.
