GIZ joins forces with partners to tackle air pollution from agricultural burning in Thailand

Bangkok, 1st October 2024 – GIZ Thailand participated as part of the organising committee in the ‘Conference on Reduction of Air Pollution through Avoidance of Burning in Agriculture’ at the Eastin Phayathai Hotel, Bangkok. The event, organised by the Friends of Thai Agriculture (FTA) in collaboration with DLG Asia Pacific, gathered key stakeholders, including government officials, international organisations, researchers, and the private sector, to explore sustainable solutions to the pressing issue of agricultural burning.

Dr Timo Menniken, Country Director of GIZ Thailand, emphasised the importance of collective action in addressing the challenges posed by agricultural burning in his opening remarks. He said: “Today’s conference is not just about recognising the challenges; it is about collaboration, exchanging knowledge, and exploring solutions together. We are here to discuss how sustainable practices – such as enhanced mechanisation, innovative agricultural residue management, and the creation of new value chains for biomass – can reduce the need for burning while improving the livelihoods of farmers.”
The Friends of Thai Agriculture (FTA), a coalition of agricultural counsellors and representatives from various international organisations, including GIZ, the Embassy of the Netherlands, and the USDA’s ThaiRAIN project, organised the conference to raise awareness and promote knowledge-sharing. GIZ, through projects such as the ‘Strengthening Climate-Smart Rice Farming Project’ funded by the Green Climate Fund, and the regional ‘Piloting Sustainable Use Cases of Rice Straw’ initiative, funded by BMZ, supports Thailand’s and the region’s transition towards climate-smart farming practices that reduce emissions and enhance farmers’ livelihoods.

Agricultural burning is a major source of air pollution in Thailand, and the consequences are felt both regionally and globally. Mr Prayoon Inskul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MoAC), delivered an address emphasising the Thai Government’s commitment to finding alternatives to agricultural burning. He highlighted the Ministry’s ‘3R’ policy: ‘Re-Habit, Replace with High-Value Crops, and Replace with Alternate Crops’. This policy encourages farmers to avoid burning, replacing highland crops with more valuable alternatives, and managing residues more effectively in lowland areas.

“The consequences of agricultural burning are severe, both for public health and the environment. We are committed to exploring sustainable alternatives, and this conference marks an important step towards achieving those goals,” he remarked.
The conference included a plenary session on ‘Innovations and Sustainability in Agriculture’, focusing on mechanisation, soil health, and the creation of value from crop residues. Specialised sessions addressed the challenges and opportunities related to rice, maize and sugarcane – three crops heavily associated with burning in Thailand.

GIZ’s ‘Piloting Sustainable Use Cases of Rice Straw’ project in northern Thailand was highlighted as an example of how agricultural residues can be transformed into valuable resources. The project promotes composting and the production of biodegradable food packaging from rice straw, providing an alternative to burning. These innovations help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing the resilience of smallholder farmers to climate change.
By fostering partnerships and promoting innovative solutions, GIZ remains committed to addressing the challenges of agricultural burning and advancing climate-resilient agriculture in Thailand and across the region.
Tobias Breunig
Advisor, GIZ Thailand
Email:tobias.breunig(at)giz.de
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