Phuket launches ‘No Burning, Earn Income’ campaign to curb haze and raise farm income

Phuket has launched a campaign aimed at cutting agricultural burning by helping farmers turn crop waste into income-generating products.

The initiative, titled “Green Gain Day: No Burning, Earn Income”, was officially launched at Patong Bay Hill Hotel on Tuesday, June 23, with Phuket Vice Governor Romdon Hayiawae presiding over the opening ceremony.

Also attending were Phuket Provincial Agriculture Officer Sirima Bangassareh, Patong Mayor Lalita Maneesri, representatives from government agencies and the private sector, model farmers, young farmers, agricultural volunteers and farming network representatives from across the province.

Speaking at the event, Mr Romdon said farmers play an important role in agricultural production and in protecting natural resources. He said solving the problem of agricultural burning requires cooperation from farmers across Phuket, adding that every decision not to burn crop waste helps reduce haze and PM2.5 pollution while improving soil quality and lowering production costs.

He said Phuket, together with local administrative organisations and private sector partners, is promoting the use and value-added processing of agricultural waste as an alternative to burning. According to Mr Romdon, the approach can generate income for farmers while benefiting the economy, the environment and public health.

The campaign was organised by the Phuket Provincial Agricultural Office with public and private sector partners to raise awareness of the impacts of agricultural burning and encourage community participation in preventing forest fires, haze and air pollution. It also aims to promote environmentally friendly farming practices, improve land management and show how agricultural waste can be transformed into marketable products instead of being burned.

Activities included panel discussions, training sessions on agricultural waste management and demonstrations of environmentally friendly technologies and innovations. Farmers were shown ways to earn additional income from agricultural by-products, including converting crop residues into silage for livestock feed, producing organic compost and developing value-added products for sale.

Demonstrations also featured solar-powered water pumping systems and information sessions on laws governing agricultural burning. More than 10 government and private sector agencies joined exhibitions on sustainable agricultural practices and resource management techniques.

Officials also promoted crops that require less water, saying that approach can reduce drought risks while improving efficiency in resource use.

Ms Lalita said Patong Municipality plans to expand safe agricultural practices beyond the hotel grounds into seven surrounding communities. The initiative is intended to encourage residents to grow and sell safe agricultural produce, creating additional income opportunities while supporting the local economy.

Patong Bay Hill Hotel has already adopted safe agricultural practices on its property, with produce from its agricultural plots used in meals for staff and guests.

The campaign comes as Phuket continues to enforce strict measures to prevent forest fires, haze and air pollution. Provincial officials said a province-wide ban on burning remains in effect and warned that farmers who violate burning restrictions will face consequences.

Officials said any farmer found burning agricultural land during 2026 will be barred from participating in government farmer support schemes, training programmes and agricultural development initiatives this year and in future years. They said the measure is intended to encourage compliance with anti-burning regulations and support long-term efforts to improve air quality and quality of life across the province.