Thailand to ban maize from field-burning countries
The cabinet on Tuesday approved a ban on maize imports from areas where farmers burn-off their fields, with enabling legislation to take effect this year. The move is aimed at reducing the annual smog-fest, which the government blames largely on neighbouring countries. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said the cabinet instructed the Commerce Ministry to prepare an order banning imported maize from areas that practice field burning, to combat the annual smoke-induced smog that
sets off health alarms.
The resolution was an expression of the government’s concern about air pollution caused by field burning in neighbouring countries, he said. To prove the connection, officials making the decision would compare areas of maize cultivation with hotspot maps produced using satellite imagery, Mr Chai said.
Any import bans would comply with the relevant rules of the World Trade Organization. Their imposition would, however, have to wait for passage of a planned Clean Air Act, which was expected this year, he said.
Source Link: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2761208/thailand-to-ban-maize-from-field-burning-countries
