Diverse Approaches – Accelerating 'Khorat Durian' Production: Farmers' Strategy to Lock in Prices Before Market Saturation

Khorat durian has distinctive characteristics that set it apart from Eastern region varieties, making it highly desirable in the market. Khorat durian features dense flesh, small seeds, minimal fibers, and a creamy, melting texture—sweet with a crispy exterior and tender interior, with a subtle aroma.

Thongsanun Durian Orchard, owned by Somchai Chaisamrong, a 43-year-old farmer from Ban Nong Jan, Takhaibaan Subdistrict, Khorat District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, harvested and began selling Khorat durian to market earlier than anyone else, starting in early May. Meanwhile, other orchards in Khorat District and throughout the Northeast are waiting to harvest in late June.

The farm owner attempted off-season durian production to reduce market competition pressures in the area and maintain standard pricing. Thongsanun orchard sells durian at 130-150 baht per kilogram. Importantly, the distinctive flavor differentiates it from commonly available Eastern region durian.

Somchai deliberately accelerated off-season production to achieve better prices. Eastern region durian produces from March, while Northeast and Southern durians produce from June to August. He chose to have his orchard produce in May instead. The durian trees have been cultivated for approximately 8 years. Originally, they would produce simultaneously with Northeast and Southern durians (June-August), creating intense market competition that sometimes resulted in below-normal prices. He decided to speed up flowering, beginning in late July 2568. However, persistently hot weather made flowering more difficult than usual, requiring precise water management and moisture control at appropriate levels.

This required considerable experience, as disease and pest management presented additional challenges requiring special attention. Despite being the first year attempting off-season production, results proved satisfactory, with yields not significantly lower than normal season production.

The advantage of off-season Northeast durian production lies in the product characteristics. Khorat and volcanic durians possess distinctive qualities that differ from Eastern and Southern varieties, which have already flooded the market for some time. Most market competition is therefore among Northeast region durians themselves.

Producing Northeast durian during this period targets the timeframe when Eastern region durian supplies decline while Northeast and Southern orchards still await their late June harvest. May harvests therefore represent an important opportunity to achieve premium prices and meet strong market demand. Currently, durian from this orchard sells at 130-150 baht per kilogram depending on grade.

Given the significant expansion of durian cultivation areas in the Northeast region, if farmers can properly maintain production without drought or storm damage, yields will increase substantially, intensifying price pressures. Meanwhile, production costs rise annually. Break-even prices should be approximately 100 baht per kilogram. If the government truly wishes to assist durian farmers, it should focus on reducing production costs—fertilizer, pesticides, and various risk factors—as this directly addresses root causes rather than other approaches. This would enable farmers to sell durian at break-even prices while consumers enjoy reasonably-priced fruit.

Somchai's Thongsanun orchard comprises approximately 50 trees on roughly 3 acres, with projected yields of about 6 tons.