Chiang rai: The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC) have taken a significant step towards resolving the biomass bottleneck in Chiang Rai by launching a market to trade 40,000 tons of agricultural waste annually, valued at over 30 million baht. This initiative aims to reduce burning and promote sustainable economic gains for farmers in the region.
According to Thai News Agency, the "Northern Region: Build, Stop Burning, and Achieve Prosperity" event was held on August 29, 2026, at the Lao Fu Chinese Language School in Mae Chan District, Chiang Rai. Organized by MHESI, through the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), and in collaboration with MOAC, private companies, research institutions, universities, and farmer networks, the event showcased the "Beyond Innovation" concept. The approach encourages the integration of raw materials, technology, processing, logistics, and markets to work together seamlessly, promoting a sustainable alternative to burning agricultural waste.
Professor Dr. Yotsanun Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of MHESI, emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of the PM2.5 problem that plagued Northern Thailand last January. He stated that the solution lies in demonstrating the economic benefits of not burning agricultural materials. By processing these materials, universities and private companies become buyers, providing farmers with income and reducing burning. The project aims to replicate successful trials from Chiang Mai in Chiang Rai, with the goal of achieving cleaner air by the beginning of next year.
Ms. Piyarat Tiyapairat, Deputy Minister of MOAC, reiterated the ministry's policy to offer farmers viable alternatives that generate more income than traditional methods. The collaboration with the Highland Research and Development Institute aims to provide knowledge and resources for increasing the value of agricultural produce and waste. The ministry is committed to coordinating research that meets farmers' needs and can be practically implemented.
The PMUC Zero Burn to Earn project, launched on April 28, 2026, has already shown promising results. In its first four months, the project recycled 33 tons of agricultural waste, reducing PM2.5 emissions and generating significant economic value from processed products. The initiative operates under the "5 Tungs" concept, which connects farmers, cooperatives, private investors, and logistics providers to ensure a balance between quantity, quality, cost, and market demand.
To incentivize farmers in Chiang Rai, the NRCT, in collaboration with the private sector, is offering support in the form of solar panels, water pumps, and biodiesel to those who contribute waste materials. Five private companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a one-year purchase agreement, ensuring a market for 40,000 tons of agricultural waste annually.
Mr. Pakpoom Asawakovitwong, Managing Director of Green Leaf Power Co., Ltd., highlighted the benefits for the private sector in accessing consistent raw materials. Mr. Amorn Dangchote, Deputy CEO of Precise Corporation Public Company Limited, discussed the potential for utilizing various agricultural wastes in production processes. Meanwhile, Ms. Ampai Itthichot, manager of Mae Suai Agricultural Cooperative Limited, noted the importance of establishing a reliable purchasing system to incentivize farmers.
The project's success hinges on addressing the bottleneck in the supply chain, from collection and processing to transportation management. The collaboration between government ministries, research institutions, and the private sector aims to create a sustainable economic system that reduces pollution and enhances Thailand's competitiveness. The PMUC Zero Burn to Earn project aspires to integrate 200,000 tons of agricultural waste into the system within five years, generating significant economic value and reducing emissions.