Join Efforts to Address PM 2.5 Dust Issues by Encouraging Reduced Burning Among Farmers.

Chiang Mai: Mrs. Narumon Pinyosinwat, the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, has expressed readiness to collaborate with various agencies to tackle the issue of PM 2.5 dust, emphasizing the importance of incentivizing farmers to adopt environmentally friendly agricultural practices. This announcement was made following the opening ceremony of the 'Kick Off Measures to Deal with the Situation of Forest Fires, Haze and Dust in 2025' at Chiang Mai University. According to Thai News Agency, Mrs. Narumon highlighted the ongoing problem of particulate matter not exceeding 2.5 microns (PM 2.5) in many regions, particularly in Bangkok and northern Thailand. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is committed to addressing the issue by implementing clear guidelines and collaborating with relevant agencies to achieve concrete results in agricultural areas. This includes preparing for climate change impacts, as these areas are expected to be affected first, and promoting environmentally friendly agricultur e to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Mrs. Narumon stated that the government is urging all agencies to work together to effectively solve the PM 2.5 dust problem. The Department of Agricultural Extension has been tasked with raising awareness among farmers about the importance of avoiding burning in agricultural areas. Instead of enforcing this change, the focus is on creating incentives for farmers to produce non-burning agricultural products, such as promoting high-value crops and establishing better distribution channels. Collaboration with ministries like Commerce, Natural Resources and Environment, and Interior is seen as crucial to mitigating the yearly occurrence of PM 2.5 dust. Additionally, Mrs. Narumon addressed the issue of cross-border smog, noting that negotiations are underway to seek cooperation from neighboring countries to reduce burning. The Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department is also preparing for operations to alleviate the smog, forest fires, and PM2.5 dust. Deputy Mi nister Itthi is set to survey weather conditions and assess the application of technologies to reduce PM2.5 dust, aiming to extend these efforts to other areas, including Bangkok. The Department of Agricultural Extension has utilized hotspot data from GISTDA to track burning in Thailand's agricultural areas using TERRA and AQUA satellites, MODIS systems. Between January 1 and May 31, 2024, there were 3,255 hotspots, a decrease of 392 points or 10.75 percent compared to the same period in 2023. For agricultural waste management in 2024, approximately 48.6 million tons of waste were generated from five crop types, with around 33.54 million tons, or 69 percent, being utilized, generating an economic value exceeding 3.2 billion baht.