BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat has kicked off a new program to address PM2.5 pollution, encouraging farmers to stop open burning and convert agricultural waste into economic value. The project, titled “PMUC Zero Burn to Earn,” promotes the use of innovation and market-based approaches to tackle air pollution and energy challenges.
The program allows farmers to exchange agricultural residues such as rice straw, corn stalks, wood debris, and plastic waste for useful goods, including biodiesel, second-hand solar panels, and biomass mulch. The collected materials will be processed by research institutions and private companies into environmentally friendly products and renewable energy, creating a value chain that benefits multiple sectors.
The project will begin with a pilot phase in Chiang Mai province, an area affected by seasonal air pollution. The model involves cooperation among government agencies, universities, and the private sector to reduce open burning through economic incentives rather than relying solely on enforcement.
Registration for the program will open on May 5, 2026, through the digital platform https://pmuc-zero-burn-to-earn.vercel.app/login. (NNT)
