Thai PM announces comprehensive support plan for fruit farmers

The initiative involves direct procurement from farmers through four key channels, namely purchase with intent to distribute domestically, corporate social responsibility initiatives, purchase for consumption in organisations, and procurement by government agencies like the Department of Corrections.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has recently announced a comprehensive support plan to assist local fruit farmers facing a seasonal production glut.

The government is fully aware of the oversupply challenges, particularly with mangoes, mangosteens, rambutans and durians, she said, adding the Ministry of Commerce would coordinate with other government agencies and private sector partners to swiftly distribute surplus fruit in the domestic market and systematically enhance export effort

The initiative involves direct procurement from farmers through four key channels, namely purchase with intent to distribute domestically, corporate social responsibility initiatives, purchase for consumption in organisations, and procurement by government agencies like the Department of Corrections.

So far, 27 companies have pledged to purchase 103,760 tonnes of fruit. Major contributors include the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Thai Industries and the Thai Fresh Fruit Traders and Exporters Association, as well as leading corporations such as Saha Pathanapibul and Thai Beverage, which have committed to buy 55,500 tonnes collectively. Meanwhile, retail chains are expected to purchase approximately 34,450 tonnes, and petrol stations, Thailand Post, Tao Bin vending machines, government agencies and affiliated foundations around 13,810 tonnes.

The government is also launching social media campaigns and new marketing channels, such as e-commerce featuring popular influencers and promotional events such as fruit-based recipe contests. These combined initiatives aim to help offload over 346,500 tonnes of surplus fruit, with the overall target set at 730,000 tonnes.

Combined production of longan, mango, durian and mangosteen from the northern, eastern and southern regions will reach 3.4 million tonnes this year, up 22% from 2.78 million tonnes in 2024, according to Peeraphan Korthong, director-general of the Department of Agricultural Extension.
On the export front, the government plans to ship 4.13 million tonnes of fruit, generating an estimated 8.8 billion USD in revenue./.

VNA