Authorities have mobilised fleets of drones and tractors to plough rice stubble into farmland as part of a campaign to curb PM2.5 pollution, amid concerns that dust levels could rise sharply after the harvest season. The Department of Land Development has set a target of 200,000 rai across 12 provinces.
In Ban Huai Nam Dip, in Chom Thong district, local rice farmers deployed dozens of tractors to plough rice stubble back into their fields. At the same time, the Department of Land Development used drones to spray EM fermented solution and sow sunn hemp seeds over more than 20 rai, accelerating the decomposition of rice straw and stubble into organic fertiliser as an alternative to open burning. Thousands of farmers also joined a public pledge to refrain from burning agricultural land.
The activity is part of the “ploughing stubble, building sustainable soil, restoring the environment 2026” campaign organised by the Department of Land Development under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Naret Thamrongthipyakun said at the opening ceremony that the ministry is prioritising measures to prevent and resolve agricultural burning in line with Thailand’s net zero commitments. He said ploughing crop residues into the soil instead of burning helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions while limiting impacts on the environment, public health, the economy and tourism.
Department of Land Development director-general Sumitra Wattana said burning agricultural residues damages soil structure essential for cultivation and contributes directly to PM2.5 air pollution, which affects public health and causes significant economic losses. She warned that the situation continues to worsen.
The campaign focuses on encouraging farmers to stop burning agricultural waste and adopt no-burn practices, with target areas covering more than 200,000 rai in 12 provinces nationwide. Chiang Mai has been designated as the main pilot area.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has coordinated with relevant agencies to organise educational exhibitions for rice farmers and longan growers on ploughing stubble instead of burning. Biological products from the Department of Agriculture are also being distributed to support safe, chemical-free crop management that does not harm people or the environment.
