Nantou deploys aerial patrols and AI cameras to prevent open burning during rice harvest

As central Taiwan's first rice harvest season begins, Nantou County's Environmental Protection Bureau is deploying advanced technology to combat air pollution from open straw burning. Drones and high-point AI cameras are now patrolling the county's major rice-growing areas to monitor for any illegal burning activities.

The bureau is actively promoting sustainable agricultural practices among farmers. These include encouraging the use of decomposer bacteria and other eco-friendly methods to help straw decompose naturally in the fields, thus enriching the soil. Farmers are also being advised on techniques like burying straw or covering exposed land to prevent dust, offering alternatives to burning.

While acknowledging a decrease in detected straw burning incidents in recent years, the bureau emphasizes that open burning remains a concern, impacting air quality and public safety. To deter such practices, the bureau is increasing nighttime patrols in known hotspots and conducting outreach activities with local agricultural associations and village development groups. These sessions aim to educate farmers on the environmental harm caused by burning and the benefits of straw recycling and reuse.

The Nantou County Environmental Protection Bureau warns that farmers caught burning straw in violation of the "Air Pollution Control Act" face significant fines, ranging from NT$1,200 to NT$100,000. Such penalties, they stress, are a heavy financial burden and detrimental to public health, making it an unfavorable choice.