Loneliness Under Capitalism: Farmers' Way Out Amid the PM2.5 Crisis

By VRP Development Holdings Co., Ltd.

Burning Agricultural Waste: A Limited Option

Burning agricultural waste has long been a practice among farmers, primarily because it is a low-cost and effective way to dispose of crop residues after harvest. However, as society and industry continue to develop, PM2.5 levels from vehicles and industrial factories have surged, leading to accusations that farmers are the primary culprits of air pollution.

Although the government and relevant agencies have introduced measures to curb burning—such as promoting soil incorporation and microbial decomposition of agricultural waste—these solutions come with significant limitations. They are not universally effective across all regions and cannot fully replace burning. Moreover, policies imposed on farmers lack concrete strategies to provide them with practical, efficient alternatives. Meanwhile, the industrial and transport sectors continue to emit massive amounts of PM2.5 without being systematically regulated.

Farmers: Victims of an Unjust System

As PM2.5 pollution intensifies, farmers become the scapegoats of public blame, particularly rice farmers, who are often perceived as the main contributors to air pollution. In reality, PM2.5 originates from multiple sources, including industrial emissions and unregulated vehicle pollution.

Farmers operate under a capitalist system that puts them under immense pressure. They face rising costs of fertilizers, chemicals, and agricultural machinery, while the prices of their products are dictated by market mechanisms and middlemen. Despite contributing significantly to the national economy through agricultural exports, profits are concentrated in the hands of capitalists, leaving farmers trapped in cycles of poverty while being unjustly vilified by society.

Solutions: True Sustainability

Addressing PM2.5 pollution requires comprehensive and fair solutions for all sectors—not just policies that disproportionately impact farmers without providing viable alternatives. Innovation to reduce PM2.5 emissions from vehicles and industries, along with technological advancements that allow farmers to manage crop residues without burning, should be prioritized and supported by both government and private sectors.

Furthermore, tackling economic inequality is crucial. The capitalist system, which favors large corporations at the expense of farmers' livelihoods, must be scrutinized and reformed. Establishing fair market mechanisms, empowering farmers to negotiate product prices, and supporting cost-reducing agricultural technologies are all necessary steps to help farmers escape this vicious cycle.

Conclusion: Farmers Should Not Be Left Behind

Blaming farmers as the primary cause of PM2.5 pollution without considering other factors is an unfair burden placed on those with the least options. The system that forces farmers to struggle for survival while capitalists and industries continue profiting without accountability must be reformed.

It is time to move beyond the narrative that demonizes farmers and instead focus on fair and sustainable solutions. Otherwise, we risk facing an even greater environmental and social crisis in the future—one that will affect everyone without exception.