The Deputy Minister of Commerce of Thailand announced developments in their agricultural export strategy aimed at the Japanese market under the Japan–Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement. This was reported from Nonthaburi province, where farmers in Nakhon Ratchasima's Soeng Sang district are witnessing income increases of 4 to 14% by aligning cultivation practices with Japanese market requirements.
Thailand's current export volume of Cavendish bananas to Japan stands at approximately 2,000 metric tons annually, below the allowable 8,000-ton quota under JTEPA. A memorandum of understanding between Japan's P&F Techno Co., Ltd. and Thailand's Plaengyai Kluay Hom Thong Sukpaiboon Co., Ltd. targets an increase to 5,000 metric tons, valuing exports at over $1.4 million.
The initiative involves over 100 farmers adopting Good Agricultural Practices and Good Manufacturing Practices for compliance with export criteria. Comprehensive support from the Department of Internal Trade includes expert guidance, quality checks, export packaging, and the distribution of over 128,000 Cavendish plantlets, spanning 400 rai, catering to Japanese customer preferences.
Cavendish bananas are deemed suitable for export, characterized by disease resistance, high yield, transport resilience, and extended shelf life. Farmers partaking in the program stand to earn up to $509 per rai, with potential earnings of $203,000 across extensive plots.
Officials indicate readiness to negotiate increased quotas with Japan if export volumes reach the current limits, which could benefit more Thai producers with stable demand and potentially enhanced income stability.
Source: Pattaya Mail
