Chanthaburi: The closure of the Cambodian border checkpoint has significantly impacted the agricultural sector, causing mangosteen prices to drop to just 5 baht per kilogram. In response, the Chanthaburi Agricultural Cooperative has stepped in to aid farmers by setting up a purchasing point, offering 10 baht per kilogram to help distribute the produce and alleviate the financial burden on farmers.
According to Thai News Agency, the decision to open a purchasing point was made in collaboration with the Department of Internal Trade, the Provincial Commerce Department, and the Chanthaburi Agricultural Cooperative. The initiative aims to collect and distribute mangosteens, particularly the substandard black and red varieties, which have been hardest hit by the price drop. On the ground, the atmosphere is bustling as farmers bring in large quantities of mangosteens for sale, with assistance from soldiers from the Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defense Commands in transporting the produce.
The president of the Chanthaburi Agricultural Cooperative highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that the mangosteen prices have fallen to their lowest point, affecting farmers and business operators across the board. In a bid to address these challenges, the cooperative has set the purchase price for substandard mangosteens at 10 baht per kilogram, selling them at the same price to cover costs without profit. This approach aims to provide immediate relief to farmers and business operators, enabling them to sell and export their products. Additionally, the cooperative hopes to stimulate an increase in the prices of higher-grade mangosteens, which currently trade at 16-20 baht per kilogram. Over the past three days, the cooperative has purchased more than 200 tons of substandard mangosteens, which will be peeled, frozen, and processed to add value.