Bangkok: Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with representatives of Thai sugarcane farmers at Government House on the morning of June 10 to express appreciation for their efforts in reducing air pollution caused by cane burning.
The meeting, which took place before the weekly Cabinet session, included senior government officials and leaders from the Confederation of Thai Sugarcane Farmers. Discussions focused on ongoing government support and future agricultural policies, reported Pattaya mail.
Farmers thanked the government for promoting fresh-cut harvesting methods, which help reduce PM2.5 pollution levels, and welcomed the opportunity to be included in policy discussions. During the meeting, they submitted several proposals aimed at supporting farmers, encouraging environmentally friendly practices, and strengthening the long-term sustainability of the sugarcane sector.
Among their key proposals was a request for direct financial support of 120 baht per ton for high-quality fresh-cut cane. They also urged the government to help by purchasing sugarcane leaves and covering part of the costs of harvesting machinery. The group asked that these measures be introduced before the start of the next production season to give farmers time to prepare.
In addition, the farmers called on the government to improve the Cane and Sugar Fund by creating new funding sources. Suggestions included adjusting domestic sugar prices and supporting value-added projects, such as producing electricity from agricultural waste.
