Thailand to establish “pineapple metropolis” in 2023

Illustrative image (Photo: chiangmaicitylife.com)

Bangkok (VNA) – The Ministry of Agriculture ofThailand establish a “pineapple metropolis” in Prachuap Khiri Khan provincein 2023 to support growers of the spiky yellow fruit, according to Alongkorn Ponlaboot, adviser to Agriculture Minister Chalermchai Srion.

Ponlaboot unveiled the plan at the 38th conference of theSam Roi Yod pineapple farmers cooperative in Prachuap Khiri Khan’s Sam Roi Yoddistrict December 20.

The metropolis will also branch out to thepineapple-growing areas of Phetchaburi, Ratchaburi and Kanchanaburi provinces tobring farmers under the canopy of better government support, he said.

Over 1.77 billion tonnes of pineapples have been harvested on 73.156 ha inPrachuap Khiri Khan, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Phitsanulok and Rayong this year,he said, adding that the wholesale price of pineapples has also been satisfactoryfor farmers since 2020.

Thailand is the largest exporter of freshand canned pineapples in the world with annual revenue of about 20 billion baht(nearly 577 million USD), constituting 32% of the global market, Alongkorn said.

Besides the plan to officially launch the"pineapple metropolis" in 2023, the nationalpineapple policy committee, chaired by Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit, will also adjust itsfive-year development plan (2023-2027) for this key fruit tree./.

VNA