Circular Agriculture for Sustainability and Carbon Neutrality: Learning from China's Experience for Application in Thailand and ASEAN
Keywords:
Circular Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture, Carbon Neutrality, Agricultural Policy in China, Ecological Low-Carbon AgricultureAbstract
This article analyzes the development of circular and sustainable agriculture in China, providing a guideline for the sustainable agricultural development in Thailand and Southeast Asia. The analysis utilizes a holistic approach that integrates policy, technology, economics, and environmental dimensions. The results indicate that key success factors in China's circular agriculture development include (1) strong government support through clear policies and development plans; (2) investment in environmentally friendly agricultural innovation and technologies; and (3) appropriate economic incentives. A case study reveals that the adoption of circular agriculture resulted in a 6.47% reduction in chemical use and
greenhouse gas emissions in a pilot area, while farmers experienced economic benefits of a 20-30% reduction in production costs and increased value creation from agricultural products. However, significant challenges remain in scaling up sustainable practices, particularly among small-scale farmers and those in remote areas. Key recommendations for Thailand and Southeast Asia include (1) developing integrated policies that balance economic, social, and environmental dimensions; (2) investing in research and development of technologies appropriate to the local context; and (3) establishing market systems and economic incentives for sustainable agricultural products. Future research should focus on examining the long-term impacts and developing comprehensive sustainability indicators for the agricultural sector.
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