The Current Status of Sugar Industry and By-products in Thailand

Sugarcane is one of the major agricultural crop of Thailand that covers 1.762 million hectares of area across the 47 provinces of the country. A current sugarcane production of 94.05 million tons is being utilized for varieties of applications, such as production of ethanol, sugar for consumption, fuel blending, pulp paper products, use of vinasse and filter cake for fertilization. To ensure crop sustainability, multiple policies and plans are implemented. Crop zoning and breeding improvement program significantly influences an increase in crop production and yield. With upgraded equipment of co-generation system in combination with optimizing operating conditions, it is possible to achieve surplus electricity to export to national grid at 123 kWh per ton cane from sugar processing factory. Multiple collaboration were established to create a centre for communication and negotiation between grower, miller, and government. These factors are the key to success of Thailand’s sugar industry.