Storm batters durian orchards in Nakhon Phanom, losses hit millions
A sudden summer storm in Nakhon Phanom uprooted durian trees and knocked thousands of fruits to the ground, causing losses of several million baht just days before harvest season.
NAKHON PHANOM — Durian farmers in Si Songkhram district have been left reeling after a brief summer storm toppled trees and knocked fruit to the ground, causing heavy losses estimated at several million baht.
Farmers from three orchards in Sam Phong subdistrict said strong winds lasting about five minutes uprooted Monthong durian trees and damaged large numbers of fruit just days before harvest. One grower, 65-year-old Wanchai Tiyabut, said around 1,200 durians fell from 130 fruit-bearing trees in his 30-rai orchard, with some weighing up to 4kg. He estimated losses at 500,000–600,000 baht after previously agreeing to sell the crop to a buyer scheduled to harvest on 10 May.
Other farmers reported similar damage. A grower in nearby Nat Thom district said about 30 of her 120 trees were knocked down, while another orchard owner said around 3,000 durians fell prematurely, with losses possibly reaching 600,000–700,000 baht. Farmers have called on the government to provide urgent assistance, citing rising labour and fertiliser costs and the high risks faced by durian growers.
