Rectifying agricultural waste in Thailand: unveiling the economic impact of transitioning from open burning to sustainable practices

Abstract Thailand generates approximately 114 Mt of agricultural waste annually from rice, maize, and sugarcane fields, with open burning contributing to severe economic, health, and environmental crises. This study assesses the transition from open burning to sustainable residue management—ploughing, composting, and biomass energy generation—through cost–benefit analysis and Life Cycle Assessment of greenhouse gas emissions. Data were collected using Geographic Information System, surveys, focus groups, and interviews. The findings indicate that all alternatives are economically viable, with composting yielding the biggest profitability for rice (Net Present Value (NPV) = 250,607 million Baht (1 Baht approx. = 0.03 USD), Benefit–Cost Ratio (BCR) = 5.22) and maize (NPV = 192,964 million Baht, BCR = 3.34). In comparison, biomass energy is the most cost-effective option for sugarcane (NPV = 681,936 million Baht, BCR = 4.18). To mitigate agricultural burning and pollution, policies should promote organic fertilizer production and provide sustained financial support for small-scale farmers, facilitating a large-scale transition toward sustainable waste management.