Ministry of Industry Prepares a Proposal to Cabinet to Review Fresh Sugarcane Compensation Measures

Today (April 21, 2026) at 9:40 AM, at Government House, Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, gave an interview before the Cabinet meeting regarding measures to assist sugarcane farmers in harvesting high-quality fresh sugarcane to reduce PM 2.5 dust. He stated that the Ministry of Industry is preparing to propose a review of the Cabinet resolution of June 17, 2025, to expand assistance to sugarcane farmers beyond the previously approved group. The original project involved the support for 100% high-quality fresh sugarcane within a total budget of 5,175 million baht.

Mr. Varawut further stated that the first group of 126,000 recipients has already received payments totaling 4,687 million baht, leaving a remaining balance of 487 million baht. Therefore, the Ministry of Industry is requesting approval for additional payments to 4,667 sugarcane farmers, totaling 6.91 million tons of sugarcane. This is divided into three groups:

Group 1: Sugarcane farmers who did not burn sugarcane but had contaminants (not exceeding 5%), where the excess will be deducted and only the quality portion will be paid. This group covers 1,053 contracts, totaling 5.96 million tons of sugarcane, with an assistance budget of 411.10 million baht.

Group 2: Farmers who supply 100% fresh sugarcane to ethanol production plants, totaling 3,505 contracts, with an assistance budget of 62.34 million baht for over 900,000 tons of sugarcane.

Group 3: Farmers who supply 100% fresh sugarcane to brown sugar factories, totaling 109 contracts, with an assistance budget of 3.61 million baht.

It is estimated that an additional 477.04 million baht will be needed, which remains within the original budget framework approved by the Cabinet. The Ministry of Industry will expedite the submission to the Cabinet as soon as possible.