Bangkok: The House Committee on Industry has urged the Minister of Industry to swiftly appoint a new sugarcane board following a request from the sugarcane growers' association for government compensation of 120 baht per ton. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Suphachok Srisukcharoen, Chairman of the Industry Committee, along with his committee, announced the results of a recent meeting addressing the demands of sugarcane farmers. The farmers had submitted a letter to the Ministry of Industry, and representatives from all four sugarcane farmer associations nationwide, as well as the Office of the Cane and Sugar Board (OCSB), were invited to provide explanations. The committee expressed gratitude to sugarcane farmers for their cooperation in reducing sugarcane burning, which has resulted in a reduction of burning to 3.8%, below the target of 10%, thereby minimizing environmental impact. The sugarcane farmers' association has outlined three main issues. Firstly, the appointment of a new Sugarcane and Sugar Bo ard is critical as the current board's term expired in August after completing four years. The association emphasizes the need for a new board to effectively implement policies and address farmer issues. The delay in appointing a new board is attributed to a change in government, which delayed the submission of nominees to the relevant ministries. The committee has decided to send a letter to Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, urging the expedited appointment of the new board. Secondly, the Sugarcane and Sugar Committee has only convened once in the past six months, which has hindered consistent consideration of the farmers' proposals and concerns. The urgent appointment of a new committee is necessary to ensure farmer representatives can contribute to proposing solutions. Lastly, regarding the payment of subsidies, the association claims that farmers have only received 69 baht per ton, with the remaining 51 baht pending due to eligibility verification and certification of burn-free areas. The a ssociation proposes reverting to the original method of paying the subsidy at the rate of 120 baht per ton in a single payment. The committee intends to closely monitor these issues to ensure the swift appointment of the new Sugarcane and Sugar Board.