November 6, 2024

 

Thai livestock industry agrees to support PM2.5 reduction measures by limiting corn purchases

Thailand's animal feed and livestock industry has agreed to support government measures to reduce PM2.5 air pollution by refraining from buying corn from plantations that use stubble burning as part of their cultivation process.

 

This decision marks a collaborative effort to address the country's growing air quality concerns.

 

"We will not buy crops that are cultivated by burning, either in Thailand or neighbouring countries, and are willing to meet with the Prime Minister to discuss suitable solutions," said Pornsilp Patcharintanakul, chairman of the Thai Feed Mill Association.

 

Pornsilp stated that both the association and livestock industry operators are prepared to cooperate with government measures if steps are taken to ensure an adequate supply of corn for animal feed. He noted that Thailand already faces an annual shortage of about 4 million tonnes of feed corn.

 

To address this shortage, Pornsilp urged the government to consider lifting certain prohibitions within the WTO framework to allow for imports from distant countries, which he argued would reduce environmental impacts linked to local and regional corn cultivation practices.

 

"By choosing not to buy corn grown through burning, we anticipate a shortfall of up to 2 million tonnes," he explained. "This deficit includes 0.5 million tonnes from domestic growers and 1.5 million tonnes from neighbouring countries. It's essential that measures are introduced to prevent any negative impact on the livestock industries, which contribute over 200 billion baht to the Thai economy."

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed the issue, noting that air pollution tends to rise during the colder season due to air stagnation. The Prime Minister highlighted the need to address agricultural practices contributing to PM2.5 levels and mentioned plans to discuss a ban on purchasing crops produced through burning with the Agriculture Ministry to tackle the issue at its source.

 

PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 is linked to chronic health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

 

The primary contributors to PM2.5 pollution in Thailand are industrial factories, vehicle emissions, and outdoor burning. The latter includes natural occurrences such as forest fires and human activities like post-harvest stubble burning, often used as a cost-effective method for field preparation.

 

-      The Nation