A Critical Analysis of Alternative Approaches to Deal with Animal Waste Externalities in Thailand’s Pig Farms

An important problem faced pig farmers in many livestock regions of Thailand was how to manage waste from intensively farms piggeries, presently the cause of widespread environmental pollution and less than optimal use of a potentially valuable resource. Primary data was collected from 287 farms of the medium and large scale pig farming in the most three main livestock regions. This study used the cost-benefit analysis (CBA) and cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) to investigate the best alternative approach to deal with animal waste externalities from pig farming industry. The results of the study found that among 5 alternative methods of pig waste disposal the best option is using the waste as fish feed. It provides the farmers largest financial net benefit 1,378 million baht over 15 years or the CEA 357.98 baht per tonne of pig waste. The second best is fertilizer alternative method. It provides the farmers 96.3 million baht of net benefit or the CEA 217.47 baht per tonne. Meanwhile, the biogas alternative method provides the farmers net benefit 1,201 million baht or the CEA 125.55 baht per tonne. Choosing appropriate pollution control technology for intensive animal farming, the government should implement policies for renewable energy as well as the technical and financial support to encourage the pig farmers to install biogas systems. The surplus gas has potential economic value, but this potential is not being realized. This is a pressing need to create the conditions that would allow this renewable energy source to have been used, which will benefit both the farmers and economy