Commerce Ministry Secures 10,950 Tons in Bulb Crop Purchase Deals
Thailand's Commerce Ministry has secured preliminary purchase agreements for 10,950 tons of garlic, onions, and shallots from 25 farmer groups across three northern provinces. The forward contracts aim to guarantee market access before the 2026/27 harvest, reducing sales risk for farmers while the ministry prepares additional distribution channels through its Blue Flag shop network and community partnerships.
On November 14, 2026, Department of Internal Trade Director-General Wathanyu Suea-iam announced that the department, together with Chiang Mai, Lamphun, and Mae Hong Son provinces, held a promotional event for three bulb crops (large onions, red onions, and garlic) in Chiang Mai. The event aimed to prepare market readiness and distribution for the 2026/27 production season by coordinating state agencies and private operators — wholesalers, retailers, collectors, exporters, and processing factories — to sign purchase agreements with northern farmers. Twenty-five groups across nine districts in Chiang Mai (18 groups), four districts in Lamphun (4 groups), and two districts in Mae Hong Son (3 groups) signed preliminary agreements totaling 10,950 tons, creating advance market access before harvest to give farmers confidence in planting and production planning.
The initiative follows Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai's directive to prioritize bulb-crop farmers, ordering the Department of Internal Trade to coordinate with provinces, the Ministries of Agriculture and Interior, and the private sector to link markets and arrange forward purchase agreements from the early planting stage, especially in Chiang Mai, a key large-onion production hub.
Overall bulb-crop output is expected to hit markets from December through January, with northern production peaking in February. Advance contracts reduce sales risk and let farmers focus on quality standards. For the 2026/27 season, large-onion output is forecast to drop about 16.5% year-on-year, with some areas down over 20%, garlic down roughly 1%, and red onions similar to last year, making total output near the previous year. The department will manage purchasing, collection, and distribution per each crop's market timing.
Beyond purchase agreements, the department is readying market-support mechanisms for potential oversupply, including the nationwide Blue Flag shop network of over 3,000 outlets, links to wholesale and local retailers, and cooperation with community networks such as allocated villages, Bangkok cooperatives, and Thailand Post to expand direct farm-to-consumer channels. District- and community-level agricultural sales points will also be opened to broaden market access for farmers.
"Today's 10,950-ton purchase commitment is just the start of this season's bulb-crop market management," Wathanyu said. "The department stands ready to expand cooperation with more operators and sales channels to absorb the upcoming harvest."
