Storm Damage! Commerce Ministry Brings Buyers to Durian Orchards, Purchases Over 100 Tons of Fallen Fruit to Aid Farmers
Summer storms destroyed over 100 tons of durians across Chanthaburi province, prompting the Commerce Ministry to purchase fallen fruit at 10-20 baht per kilogram and redirect it toward processing to support affected farmers.
The Commerce Ministry assembled a team of buyers to purchase fallen durians at 10-20 baht per kilogram, helping durian farmers affected by summer storms in Chanthaburi province. Arunuch Phudungvit, Chanthaburi Commerce Director, is coordinating implementation under orders from Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Sutthiamphan, working with relevant agencies to assess damage and monitor impacts on farmers in the region.
According to the Provincial Agricultural and Cooperative Office, preliminary findings show 77 affected farmers in Khlong district, with damage across 58 rai and approximately 103 tons of fallen fruit. The ministry is collaborating with agricultural offices, the 6th Agricultural Research and Development Office, and the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards (ACFS) to prevent damaged and unripe durians from entering the market.
The Commerce Office coordinated with the Chanthaburi Chamber of Commerce to recruit buyers for damaged fruit destined for processing. Of the over 100 tons of affected produce, 80% consists of ripening durians being purchased by 2-3 companies at 10-20 baht per kilogram for cold storage and processing into durian ice cream. The remaining 20%, comprising unripe fruit unsuitable for fresh sale, is being used by farmers for compost and processed into durian candy.
The 6th Agricultural Research and Development Office and the ACFS are conducting field inspections and strict quality control at collection and packing centers to prevent substandard durians from reaching domestic and export markets, protecting Thailand's durian reputation and consumer confidence.
Chanthaburi's provincial governor assigned a special task force to inspect durian quality at packing houses, retail markets, fruit stalls, and buying points throughout the province to prevent low-quality durians from mixing with fresh consumption durians for both domestic and international sale.
Chanthaburi province is requesting cooperation from farmers, business operators, and all stakeholders to maintain quality standards for Thai durian products. Farmers in need of buyer assistance can contact the Chanthaburi Commerce Office at 039-311357 or inbox the office's Facebook page.
