Chiang mai: Longan farmers are expressing satisfaction as the government announces financial support of 1,000 baht per rai for pruning, fruit cluster trimming, and orchard restoration. The Cabinet has approved a new initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of longan orchards by supporting canopy trimming, fruit cluster trimming, and orchard rehabilitation, with financial assistance capped at 10 rai.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ayrin Phanrit, Deputy Government Spokesperson, shared the news following a Cabinet meeting held on November 11th. The project targets longan farmers in eight northern provinces: Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Lamphun, Phrae, Phayao, Nan, and Tak. To qualify, farmers must register or update their farmer registration with the Department of Agricultural Extension by 2025. The support is contingent on the actual implementation of the project and successful inspection by a three-level committee to ensure improved quality and yields from the orchards.
Ms. Airin elaborated that the initiative aims to address issues of overproduction and low prices while fostering efficient orchard management. The goal is to increase the share of high-quality, premium-grade longans, thereby securing a stable and sustainable income for farmers and enhancing the international reputation of Thai longans.
Farmers wishing to participate must meet specific qualifications, including being located in the designated provinces and having no history of agricultural burning as per PM 2.5 prevention measures. Additional conditions include having a fruit-bearing orchard with trees aged between 5 to 25 years, cultivating specific longan varieties, participating in knowledge transfer through online media, conducting pruning as per regulations, and submitting receipts for production factor purchases.
The government, via the Department of Agricultural Extension, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, will prioritize eligible farmers with updated registrations. If targets are unmet, the program will extend to new and existing applicants. The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) will disburse funds to farmers who pass the verification process. Interested longan farmers in the specified provinces can seek more information and apply at district or provincial agricultural offices.