PM sets durian export target of B130bn for 2024
>> The government has set its sights on increasing durian exports to 130 billion baht this year, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin declared during a visit to Chanthaburi.
On his social media platform X, Mr Srettha said durian products from this eastern province, which is known for its high-quality durian, are poised to contribute to the government’s target. According to government data, revenues from durian exports in 2023 amounted to 120 billion baht.
Mr Srettha said he had told various ministries to help farmers maintain quality standards and competitiveness. He said the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives will encourage durian exporters to comply with Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) standards and develop better varieties.
The Ministry of Commerce will address shortages and high prices of cold-storage containers while the Ministry of Labour will oversee the management of migrant workers to accommodate the harvest season’s demands, he added.
The prime minister, accompanied by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Chaiya Promma, stopped at Nuanthongchan orchard in Khlung district where he met local durian growers.
The farmers asked the government to address pressing issues including drought and pest problems and shortages of workers in both the farming and transport sectors. Mr Srettha said the government would look into the farmers’ concerns and promote durian to meet an expected increase in demand and compete with Vietnam.
He also told the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure that unripe durian is not harvested for sale, to protect the Thailand’s reputation in the international market.
Mr Srettha said the Nuanthongchan orchard was where the Nuanthongchan variety of durian originated. The Nuanthongchan cultivar has been certified as a geographical indication (GI) product, he said.