BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministries of Commerce and Agriculture are implementing comprehensive measures to support longan farmers facing a major surplus, aiming to stabilize prices and manage the increased harvest.
Trade Policy Strategy Office Director-General Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, serving as the Commerce Ministry’s spokesperson, affirmed the government’s commitment. He stated Commerce Minister Jatuporn Buruspat has prioritized stabilizing agricultural prices and assigned his deputy to closely monitor the longan situation in the north.
This year’s longan harvest in eight northern provinces, including Chiang Mai and Lamphun, is expected to reach 1.06 million tons, an increase of over 117,000 tons from last year due to favorable weather. The ministry had already established a comprehensive fruit management plan to handle 950,000 tons of fruit, with a focus on northern longans.
Additional proactive measures are now underway. These include linking fresh longans for export, promoting domestic consumption through the “Thai Fruits Festival 2025” campaign, and facilitating direct purchases from farmers by major retailers. The government is also supporting pre-orders, encouraging private sector CSR involvement, providing packaging for postal distribution, and signing agreements with dried longan producers. New sales channels include distribution at gas stations, offering longan smoothies in Tao Bin vending machines, and creating special menu items with Thai AirAsia.
A “War Room” has been established to monitor the situation and enact emergency measures if needed, such as subsidizing drying facilities. Efforts are also focused on expanding into new export markets like India and the United Arab Emirates, while boosting online sales.
Furthermore, Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Attakorn Sirilatthayakorn announced a one billion Thai baht project to improve orchard quality. The plan provides financial support for pruning and production materials. The ministry will also coordinate with security agencies to ease labor shortages during the peak harvest season. (NNT)
