The campaign, 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.
Joining the event 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, Vice Governor Romdon said farmers play a crucial role in both agricultural production and the protection of natural resources.
He stressed that solving the problem of agricultural burning requires cooperation from farmers throughout the province, noting that every decision not to burn crop waste helps reduce haze and PM2.5 pollution while also improving soil quality and lowering production costs.
“Phuket Province, 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,” he said.
“This approach generates income for farmers while benefiting the economy, the environment and public health at the same time.”
Mr Romdon added that reducing agricultural burning was not only about addressing immediate air pollution concerns but also about creating a cleaner environment and protecting natural resources for future generations.
The Green Gain Day initiative was organised by the Phuket Provincial Agricultural Office in cooperation with public and private sector partners to raise awareness about the impacts of agricultural burning and encourage community participation in preventing forest fires, haze and air pollution.
The programme also aims to promote environmentally friendly farming practices, improve land management and demonstrate how agricultural waste can be transformed into marketable products rather than being burned.
Activities during the event included panel discussions, training sessions on agricultural waste management and demonstrations of environmentally friendly technologies and innovations.
Farmers were shown practical ways to generate 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 participated in exhibitions showcasing sustainable agricultural practices and resource management techniques.
Officials also promoted the cultivation of crops that require less water, saying the approach can reduce drought risks while increasing efficiency in resource use.
Patong Mayor Lalita Maneesri said Patong Municipality plans to expand safe agricultural practices beyond the hotel grounds and into seven surrounding communities.
The initiative aims to encourage residents to grow and sell safe agricultural produce, creating additional income opportunities while strengthening the local economy.
Patong Bay Hill Hotel has already adopted safe agricultural practices within its property, with produce from its agricultural plots being used in meals prepared for staff and guests.
The campaign comes as Phuket continues to enforce strict measures aimed at preventing forest fires, haze and air pollution.
Provincial officials reiterated that a province-wide ban on burning remains in effect and warned that farmers who violate burning restrictions will face consequences.
Authorities noted that 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.
Officials 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.