Mr. Banterng Vongkusolkit, Chairman of Mitr Phol Group, revealed that, “The results of this season reflect the collaborative efforts between farmers, communities, the government, and the private sector. I would like to thank all the farmers who have faith in Mitr Phol Group’s modern sugarcane farming methods, or “Mitr Phol Modern Farm,” and their dedication to harvesting fresh sugarcane. This has improved both the quality of life for farmers and the environment. Of course, the transition to fresh sugarcane harvesting is not just about changing the harvesting method, but also about adjusting the mindset and traditional farming methods to modern agriculture. Mitr Phol Group is ready to stand alongside sugarcane farmers by supporting them with knowledge, technology, and innovation to build a strong future for Thai agriculture, in line with the government’s policy of promoting upstream raw material standards for Thailand’s sugarcane and sugar industry to enhance competitiveness on the global stage.”

Mr. Supharit Supaphet, a young farmer who embraced modern sugarcane farming, proudly stated, “In the past, my family’s farm suffered from sugarcane fires. But after learning with the Mitr Phol ModernFarm Academy (MFA), my perspective on sugarcane farming has changed.” "Currently, my sugarcane farm uses 100% fresh-harvested sugarcane. Many people may worry about the high cost of machinery or the investment required to modify the sugarcane plantation. However, looking at the long term, fresh-harvesting significantly reduces costs because burning damages the soil, promotes rapid weed growth, and increases expenses for fertilizers and herbicides every year. Fresh-harvesting is therefore the most worthwhile and sustainable investment for the future," says Ms. Thitima Buaphui, a new generation farmer who has adopted innovation in her family's sugarcane farm. She recounts a key turning point: "Learning through collaboration with the Mitr Phol Group allowed me to switch from traditional sugarcane farming to modern farming methods that utilize technology. This is especially important for soil and water management. We can know when the soil lacks nutrients or when the sugarcane needs water, allowing for precise planning and real cost savings. Furthermore, fresh-harvesting has natural benefits because leaving the sugarcane leaves to cover the soil restores fertility and helps protect the environment. I am very proud to have returned to continue my family's profession with this new way of thinking, contributing to the growth of Thai agriculture alongside the global economy."

More than just gratitude, it's the pride of witnessing the collaborative power of farmers in transitioning to modern sugarcane farming. “Mitr Phol Modern Farm,” an initiative started by the Mitr Phol Group over 10 years ago, has consistently increased the volume of fresh sugarcane delivered. Today, Mitr Phol's sugarcane farmers are able to deliver over 96% more fresh sugarcane to the mills. This success reflects the Thai farmers' knowledge and preparedness, in collaboration with the government and private sectors, to adapt to environmentally friendly agriculture. This aligns with the government's goal of developing a sustainable sugarcane and sugar industry and supports the Mitr Phol Group's commitment to driving Thailand towards a net-zero greenhouse gas emission target by 2050. This begins with a change in mindset, sharing and creating shared value, to transform the future of Thai agriculture for a strong and sustainable future.

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