With PM2.5 pollution under increased public scrutiny, sugarcane farmers, often blamed as major polluters, have been under growing pressure to stop burning cane fields. Many growers have complied with new government measures, contributing to a marked reduction in open-field burning.  In the process, however, they have had to deal with higher costs, increased operational risks, labour shortages, and limited governmental support.

Sugarcane farmers, often targeted as a major source of PM2.5 pollution, have significantly reduced field burning practices to comply with government regulatory measures. Despite the consequences they have suffered - higher costs, labour shortages, increased operational risks, and volatile cane prices - governmental support measures have been underwhelming.

<div> <div> <div>For the first time, a Thai conglomerate is facing a lawsuit for violating human rights in a foreign country. The company allegedly evicted about 600 Cambodian families from their lands, killed their livestock and set fire to their homes, according to the plaintiffs. </div> <div> </div> <div>On 28 March 2018, two villagers, representing about 600 families in Oddar Meanchey Province, Cambodia, filed a compensation lawsuit against the Mitr Phol Group, Thailand’s biggest sugar conglomerate. </div></div></div>

<div><em>Brazil’s long term policy on Proalcohol (sugarcane-based ethanol fuel programme) has provided a platform for Brazil to develop its sugar industry and subsequently dominate the world sugar trade. </em></div>