THAILAND – The Thai Food Mill Association (TFMA) an industry organization that advocates for the interests of the Thai food milling sector, is urging the government to implement Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) standards for corn cultivation across the nation to tackle the rising levels of particle pollution from PM 2.5.
When farmers use fertilizer containing nitrogen in the form of ammonia, it can escape from the soil and react with certain particles, including from tilling land, in the atmosphere to form PM2.5.
These fine particulates (PM2.5) are too big for the human body to break down and remove from the body. However, they are small enough that they find their way into the alveoli at the bottom of the lungs, increasing the risk of heart disease and asthma.
In Thailand, the TFMA has been actively discouraging the cultivation of corn in forested areas that are vulnerable to illegal clearing and burning for the past decade to reduce this pollution.
Corn is an important grain in Thailand, with consumption largely driven by swine and poultry production in the country.
Therefore, the harmful environmental effects of improper corn cultivation practices have prompted TFMA to advocate for the rapid adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) standards.
By adopting these standards, Thailand aims to tackle the severe air pollution crisis and encourage sustainable farming practices.
Pornsil Patcharintanakul, President of the Thai Food Mill Association, emphasizes the importance of implementing Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) standards to improve the efficiency of animal feed crop production and eliminate the burning of agricultural waste.
These measures are expected to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and effectively address PM 2.5 pollution.
TFMA emphasizes its commitment to policies that ensure the traceability of corn sourcing. TFMA members are prepared to collaborate with neighboring nations to develop innovative solutions for the haze issue that is spreading across borders.
Through regional cooperation, stakeholders can minimize the adverse effects of air pollution and create a healthier environment for all.
President Patcharintanakul urges the Thai government to prioritize the nationwide implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) standards for corn cultivation.
This proactive approach is considered a critical step in addressing PM 2.5 pollution, preventing illegal clearing and burning activities in forested areas, and promoting a more sustainable agricultural sector.
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