Chiang mai: The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) have jointly introduced a transformative initiative titled "Stop Burning, Full Pockets" to address three significant challenges: PM2.5 pollution, energy shortages, and economic difficulties.
According to Thai News Agency, this initiative is leveraging research networks, collaboration with the private sector, and farmers to establish a market mechanism that promises to process over 100,000 tons of agricultural waste within the next five years.
The Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (PCEF), under the Accelerated Research and Innovation for Competitiveness and Area Development Office, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), is at the forefront of this effort. The "PMUC Zero Burn to Earn: Stop Burning, Pour Out Money" event, held at Chiang Mai University's Lanna Rice Research Center and Science Park, highlighted the project's progress. It showcased the achievements of the "3 models and 6 pathways" approach, which is turning agricultural waste into economic resources through a growing network of over 40 leading organizations. The project's goal is to process over 100,000 tons of waste annually, thereby reducing burning, encouraging clean energy use, and fostering environmentally friendly innovations.
Professor Dr. Yotsanun Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, emphasized the importance of economic and circular economy dimensions in solving the PM2.5 problem. The government, with MHESI, plans to support the private sector in transforming waste into profitable green products, aiming for tangible results in 8-9 months to tackle air pollution by next year. The Clean Air Act's implementation across transportation, logistics, and energy sectors aims to restore clean air, with incentives for farmers to process waste into income-generating resources.
Associate Professor Dr. Kanda Boonsohtsathit, Director of the NRCT, highlighted the project's structuring of market mechanisms to enhance competitiveness and address social issues. The NRCT's role in creating an innovation ecosystem ensures that all stakeholders, from farmers to logistics systems, benefit financially, thereby boosting the country's competitiveness. The initiative includes five income-distributing mechanisms, such as allowing farmers to sell waste materials and encouraging private sector investments in processing plants.
In the project's first month, successful pilot programs in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Lamphun have demonstrated the potential for industrial scaling. The project employs various models, including community recycling, renewable energy market, and eco-friendly product market, to process waste into valuable products like biochar, biocoke, natural plant fibers, and thermal insulation materials. Addressing transportation costs in remote areas, the NRCT collaborates with private companies to implement a cost-effective backhauling system, enabling farmers to earn PMUC Points for waste donations.
The PMUC Zero Burn to Earn project also focuses on upskilling vocational students in clean energy technologies, offering training in solar power system installation and maintenance. With its holistic approach integrating science, innovation, and market mechanisms, the project aspires to resolve the PM2.5, energy, and economic crises, fostering sustainable growth in Thailand. Farmers in the pilot regions can register to participate via the project website or social media platforms.