Taichung Implements AI Smoke Detection to Inspect Rice Straw Burning, Partners with Enterprises to Promote Beneficial Microbe Fertilizer

Central News Agency (CNA reporter Chao Li-yen, Taichung, May 17) — To change farmers' practice of burning rice straw, the Taichung City Environmental Protection Bureau has targeted open burning hotspots and introduced an AI smart smoke detection system, leading to the discovery of 174 violations this year. It has also partnered with companies like TSMC and China Steel Dragon to promote the use of beneficial microbe fertilizer, turning straw into fertilizer without burning. The Taichung Environmental Protection Bureau issued a press release today stating that many farmers are accustomed to burning rice straw after harvest, which affects air quality. Recently, a farmer was reported for open burning. After inspection officers explained the relevant regulations and the impact on air pollution, the farmer switched to using beneficial microbe fertilizer combined with ploughing to handle the rice straw. After trying it, a farmer surnamed Wang found that the straw decomposed faster than expected and the rice seedlings grew steadily after planting. He admitted that he used to think 'burning is fastest,' but now realizes that not burning reduces the trouble of cleanup and makes the land healthier. The Environmental Protection Bureau stated that TSMC and China Steel Dragon have long subsidized Taichung farmers to use 'beneficial microbe fertilizer.' Taiwan Corning and Kuang Lieng Electronics have also joined in the environmental protection effort and contributed to the subsidy capacity. It is estimated that the subsidized area will reach 8,628 hectares by 2025, a record high. The bureau pointed out that to change the practice of burning straw on site, it has targeted open burning hotspots and implemented an AI smart smoke detection system with a 24-hour patrol and monitoring mechanism. As of now, 174 violations have been discovered this year. The number of open burning complaints has decreased from 2,998 in 2023 to 1,807 in 2025, a reduction of about 40%. The cumulative fines in the past three years have reached NT$12,637,160. The bureau reminds that according to Article 32 of the 'Air Pollution Control Act,' open burning can be fined up to NT$100,000; violations during nighttime, holidays, or periods of poor air quality will face heavier penalties. (Editor: Kuan Chung-wei) 1150517