BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with representatives of Thai sugarcane farmers at Government House on the morning of June 10 to thank them for their cooperation in helping reduce air pollution caused by cane burning. The meeting, held ahead of the weekly Cabinet session, involved senior government officials and leaders from the Confederation of Thai Sugarcane Farmers to discuss ongoing support and future policy directions.
The farmers expressed appreciation for the government’s support of fresh-cut harvesting methods, which help lower PM2.5 pollution levels, and welcomed efforts to involve them in discussions on agricultural policies. During the meeting, they presented a series of proposals aimed at supporting growers, promoting environmentally friendly practices, and enhancing long-term sustainability in the sugarcane industry.
Their proposals included direct financial support of 120 baht per ton for high-quality fresh-cut cane, as well as additional assistance such as government purchases of sugarcane leaves and support for machinery costs. The group requested that these measures be announced before the next production season, allowing time for planning.
Farmers also called on the government to strengthen the Cane and Sugar Fund through new revenue models, such as adjusting domestic sugar prices and supporting value-added projects, such as generating electricity from agricultural waste. (NNT)
