Thai government steps in to help farmers amid record longan harvest

Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce has launched 8 emergency measures to help northern longan farmers manage a record 1.06 million-tonne harvest in 2025 — up over 117,000 tonnes from last year due to extended cool weather. The Department of Internal Trade is leading a full-scale response to move at least 950,000 tonnes through domestic sales, processing, and exports.

Key actions include shipping fresh longans abroad, launching the Thai Fruits Festival 2025 to boost local demand, and partnering with retailers like Makro and Big C to buy directly from farmers. Businesses are encouraged to place pre-orders or participate through CSR campaigns, while Thailand Post is helping distribute fruit using standard packaging.

Additional steps involve signing supply agreements between dried longan processors and grower groups, distributing longans as promotions at petrol stations, and introducing new products like smoothies in vending machines and in-flight items on AirAsia.

To oversee the situation, a war room has been set up to monitor supply and activate emergency support, such as subsidising the purchase of lower-grade fruit for drying. The ministry is also expanding exports through talks with China, India, Indonesia, and the UAE, while boosting sales via online platforms both domestically and overseas.

source: bangkokbiznews.com

photo: thethaiger.com