Field Survey on Agricultural Biomass Utilization

As part of the project, project members from Chulalongkorn University and Kyoto Prefectural University conducted a field survey in Chonburi and Suphan Buri provinces, Thailand, from December 15 to 17, 2025.

The survey focused on rice, oil palm, and sugarcane. The team visited farms, processing facilities, farmers, and related organizations to collect information on harvesting practices, processing methods, generation of by-products, waste management, and current utilization of residues. As a result, it was confirmed that rice straw, empty fruit bunches (EFB) from oil palm, and sugarcane leaves are available in certain quantities as agricultural biomass that could be utilized in this project.

It was also recognized that each type of biomass has seasonal and regional characteristics. Therefore, combining multiple feedstocks is important to ensure a stable year-round supply of raw materials. In addition, information was gathered on initiatives to reduce open burning, promote resource circulation, and recent trends in certification systems such as GAP and RSPO.

The findings from this survey will be used to examine sustainable feedstock supply models and to support research and social implementation activities under the project.