The Transition

A circular system connecting biomass recovery, compost production, and soil regeneration.

Biomass Recovery

The transition begins with the recovery of rice straw that would otherwise be burned in the fields.

Farmers and community enterprises organize straw collection after harvest. The biomass is transported to local aggregation points known as Tambon-level bale yards. These locations serve as decentralized collection hubs where straw can be stored, prepared, and organized for further processing.

This step creates the logistical foundation for managing agricultural residues across the landscape.

Compost Production

From the bale yards, rice straw and other agricultural residues are transported to regional compost hubs.

At these hubs, biomass is processed into organic compost through controlled composting systems. The resulting compost becomes an affordable soil amendment that farmers can apply to their fields.

This process transforms agricultural residues into a valuable resource that supports soil regeneration and nutrient cycling.

Organic Farming Transition

Access to locally produced compost allows farmers to gradually reduce their dependence on chemical fertilizers.

Farmer training programs, demonstration fields, and learning centers support this transition by introducing soil restoration practices, compost application techniques, and regenerative farming methods.

The transition is gradual and practical, allowing farmers to adapt new practices while maintaining productivity.

Landscape Vision

The long-term vision of bioTRANS is to expand this system across the rice landscapes of Thailand’s Upper Chao Phraya Basin.

Following the initial pilot phase in Nakhon Sawan province, the model can be replicated in neighboring provinces such as Phichit and Chainat. Each province can develop its own network of compost hubs, biomass collection systems, and farmer training programs adapted to local agricultural conditions.

Through this landscape-scale approach, the program can gradually reduce agricultural burning while restoring soil health across large rice-growing regions.

bioTRANS  -  Rice Straw Landscape Transition Program

A pilot initiative exploring regenerative solutions for rice farming landscapes in Thailand.

Developed by CEV REpow Co., Ltd.