Chanthaburi: The Prime Minister of Thailand has announced a strategic initiative to elevate Thai fruits as significant economic products on a global level, highlighting efforts to enhance various aspects to aid farmers and entrepreneurs. During a recent visit to Chanthaburi Province, Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister, engaged with local farmers, network partners, and the private sector to discuss challenges and devise strategies for the sustainable growth of Thai fruits.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister's visit included firsthand discussions with farmers at local orchards, where she learned about issues such as high production costs, fruit quality, transportation challenges, labor shortages, wildlife damage to crops, and limited access to competitive tools and technologies. Addressing these concerns involves multiple strategies:
1. Advancing agricultural technology related to crop species and production processes. The focus is on making these accessible to small-scale farmers. The government is committed to research and development, not limited to durian but extending to other crops like mangosteen, longan, and langsat.
2. Enhancing Thai fruit markets both domestically and internationally, while encouraging the private sector to increase fruit purchases.
3. Improving transportation systems to ensure fruit freshness and efficiency in international screening processes without causing delays.
Furthermore, discussions with local restaurant operators aim to promote the creation of new menus featuring seasonal Thai fruits, thereby adding value to local ingredients and creating sustainable income for both farmers and restaurant operators.
This initiative is a coordinated effort involving several ministries, including Commerce, Agriculture and Cooperatives, Transport, Tourism and Sports, and Foreign Affairs. The government is committed to integrating policies to elevate Thai fruits as key products for the global economy.
The Prime Minister reiterated the quality and significance of Thai fruits for the economy this year, urging citizens to support local produce.