Thai fruit orchards not face falling prices in 2017

BANGKOK, March 15 (TNA) - As seasonal Thai fruits that are grown in the eastern region will be harvested late this month, the Ministry of Commerce is confident that local fruit producers will not face falling prices due to oversupply this year. Permanent Secretary for Commerce Wibullak Ruamrak told journalists on Wednesday that she has visited the eastern Chantaburi Province to follow up the local fruit production and has met with officials from the local commerce office, the agricultural office, the provincial chamber of commerce and fruit growers who informed that most of local fruit produce has already had markets for distribution and sale. Wibullak said popular durian varieties, which will be ready for sales next month, will be sold on the domestic market and exported to other countries. Besides, about 20 local durian orchards in Chantaburi will organize special durian buffets for international visitors to serve fresh durian at their orchards, which will also help promote the provincial tourism. According to the senior official, some local fruit growers have turned to grow organic durians to be sold at a high-end shopping mall in Bangkok at 3,600 baht each. (TNA)