In response to the persistent labor shortages affecting the harvest season, the Department of Internal Trade (DIT) in Thailand has sprung into action with an impressively strategic plan. This initiative aims to seamlessly manage the influx of fruits from both the northern and southern regions of the country, thereby facilitating a smoother harvest process for farmers. With the backing of military personnel and the assistance of rehabilitated prisoners, this innovative approach promises to streamline the distribution of last quarter produce.
Witthayakorn Maneenet, the dynamic Director General of the DIT, enthusiastically introduced these measures following the triumphant launch of the mangosteen harvest assistance project at a bustling 7-Eleven in Nonthaburi. As he enthusiastically explained, while the eastern fruit season is winding down, the market is about to be inundated with a vibrant selection of fruits such as longans, mangoes, lychees, and pineapples from the north.
To lighten the load on the labor force, the government has astutely enlisted military assistance, particularly to tackle the bountiful longan harvest expected this year. Not stopping there, the Department of Corrections has joined the effort, contributing by deploying well-behaved inmates to assist, effectively reducing costs and alleviating pressures on local farmers.
As the southern fruits like durians, mangosteens, rambutans, and longkongs begin to make their market debut, the government has synchronized efforts with exporters and collectors from the east, ensuring they quickly adjust their operations to meet the burgeoning demand from the south. This flawless orchestration underscores the thorough planning behind these initiatives.
In a commendable partnership with CP All Public Company Limited and 7-Eleven, efforts are underway to purchase mangosteens from the east, overcoming distribution hurdles caused by Cambodian border closures. Commencing June 28, mangosteens will be available in 7-Eleven stores nationwide at an attractive price of 40 baht per kilogram, with an ambitious goal of securing 70 tonnes initially.
This is but one facet of a broader campaign aimed at bolstering Thai farmers. More than 10,000 tons of fruit have already been avidly distributed through robust collaborations with entities like Thai Air Asia, Makro, Lotus, and the Stock Exchange of Thailand, just to name a few.
Gazing towards future possibilities, the government is eagerly exploring new export markets with an eye on India, the Middle East, and China, where the craving for Thai longans is joyously climbing. Thanks to partnerships, including an invaluable collaboration with the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the DIT is poised with unwavering confidence, ensuring every luscious piece of fruit from both north and south finds its perfect home, aiding farmers and sidestepping any potential for overwhelming surpluses.
Utilizing military and prisoners for fruit harvests sounds efficient, but isn’t it a bit problematic ethically?
Why not? It’s better than having fruits rot, and it provides inmates with valuable work experience.
I see your point, Jim. But aren’t we exploiting these groups rather than addressing underlying labor issues?
I agree with Anna. This feels like a temporary fix rather than a sustainable solution.
As a farmer, I’m just glad to have help, whatever form it takes!
Encouraging more local hires and higher wages would build longer-term resilience for farmers.
Easier said than done! Raising wages might lead to higher fruit prices.
But better-paid workers would likely be more sustainable than importing labor or using nontraditional groups. We’ve got to think long-term.
Happy to see the fruits being efficiently collected! More fruit for everyone.
But not if they compromise ethical standards or local jobs.
Why not invest in mechanization for harvesting? This could solve labor shortages.
Not all regions or types of fruit can be mechanized. Terrain and tree types vary.
Of course, Vinny, but technology could be developed further. Innovation can tackle these issues.
Thrilled that 7-Eleven is selling mangosteens! I love those.
Absolutely, this collaboration is a win for accessibility and supporting local agriculture.
And it comes at a reasonable price too!
How sustainable is this strategy if borders close again? We need a backup plan.
Attempting to open new markets is a good start. Less reliance on border-dependent trade.
True, but local storage and distribution need strengthening too.
Why aren’t they focusing more on domestic consumption?
The prisoners get something to do, and it helps economy, right?
Just wait till robots take over and solve all these harvest problems!
That may happen, but what about the jobs those robots replace?
India is a good market for these exports; we’ve seen rising demand.
Yes, but export isn’t the only solution. We’ve got to bolster local markets.
Innovative ideas are welcome. We must support farmers at any cost.
Agreed, but ‘at any cost’ should consider ethical and sustainable angles.