Chanthaburi: Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit is intensifying control over export standards for durian, aiming to surpass the previous year's record by achieving an export value of more than 150 billion baht. He is also advancing efforts to reduce farmers' costs through the promotion of bio-fertilizers and bio-products as alternatives to chemical pesticides.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Suriya, the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, along with Deputy Minister Mr. Watcharapol Khaokham, recently visited Chanthaburi province to assess the durian production and quality control measures for export. These measures are being implemented by the Department of Agriculture and related agencies following the peak durian harvest from eastern Thailand.
Mr. Suriya emphasized the necessity of maintaining high quality and standards for Thai durian exports to meet the requirements of trading partners, particularly the Chinese market, which is the primary destination for these exports. He instructed the Department of Agriculture to enhance the efficiency of the inspection and certification process for export standards, aiming to reduce delays in customs clearance while maintaining strict quality and safety standards. Businesses failing to meet these standards or releasing substandard or unripe durian risk affecting the confidence of trading partners. Hence, he has called for increased scrutiny and rigorous enforcement against offenders.
Moreover, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is dedicated to reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and agricultural chemicals by supporting the increased adoption of biofertilizers, bioproducts, and organic fertilizers. This aligns with the policy of promoting a fertilizer ratio of 70:30 to decrease production costs, improve the safety of agricultural products, and support a low-carbon agriculture approach.
Mr. Manee Pharaplueng, chairman of the large-scale durian farming group in Moo 6, Wang Tonod Subdistrict, Na Yai Am District, Chanthaburi Province, noted that farmers are adapting to using more bio-pesticides after receiving guidance from the Department of Agriculture. They are particularly focusing on producing Trichoderma and bioluminescent mushroom extract for use in their orchards, which helps reduce pesticide costs by approximately 750 baht per sprayer and lowers overall costs by about 5,000-6,000 baht per rai while maintaining good product quality.
It is acknowledged that some farmers are resistant to change due to the complexity and knowledge required in the production of biofertilizers and bioproducts. Consequently, they seek additional governmental support in terms of knowledge and production inputs.
Mr. Rapeephat Chantarasriwong, Director-General of the Department of Agriculture, stated that the department is expediting efforts to promote biofertilizers and bioproducts as alternatives to chemical fertilizers in durian orchards. Field visits indicate that farmers in Chanthaburi province are increasingly adopting these methods, leading to reduced production costs while maintaining good product quality.
Between January 1st and May 13th, 2026, Thai durian exports to China included 27,958 shipments, totaling over 448,679 tons and valued at over 51,377 million baht. Of these, 22,720 shipments, totaling over 364,437 tons and valued at over 41,820 million baht, originated from the eastern region.