Case Studies on Reducing Crop Burning in ASEAN Member States

Agriculture generates large amounts of crop residues, and while sustainable options, such as composting, soil incorporation, and biomass utilisation have existed, many farmers resort to open burning due to its low cost and ease of implementation. This practice releases harmful pollutants, including particulate matter and greenhouse gases, threatening public health and accelerating climate change.

To address this, regional and international frameworks have emerged. ASEAN Member States adopted the Guidelines on the Reduction of Crop Burning in 2024. Effective solutions require combining subsidies, penalties, and market development to make alternatives viable for smallholder farmers. To support the implementation of the Guidelines, Country case studies in Indonesia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam confirmed that economic barriers remain the primary obstacle, highlighting the need for stronger policy support, capacity building programmes, and public–private partnerships.