Battambang, March 18, 2024 - Heng Sith, an official from the Battambang Provincial Department of Agriculture, reported a significant daily export of mangoes and turmeric to Thailand, ranging between 150-200 tons. This information comes directly from the officers stationed at the export ports, who monitor and report these figures consistently.
The Kamrieng International Coconut Port stands as the primary gateway for mango exports to Thailand. Here, a systematic approach is employed to ensure that all mangoes and turmeric meet the stringent standards set by the Thai purchasing companies. These standards include rigorous quality control measures such as good hygiene practices, absence of mango resin stains, and the provision of specialized packaging. However, not all produce meets these criteria, and those that fall short are rejected, occasionally leading to financial losses for the farmers due to their lack of market knowledge.
Battambang province boasts 16,079 hectares of land dedicated to the cultivation of mangoes and turmeric, with 14,340 hectares currently harvested. The average yield is impressive, standing at 21 tons and 700 kilograms per hectare.
Sith emphasized the importance of market awareness for farmers, advising against the premature destruction of crops without a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics. He highlighted that, unlike other agricultural products, mangoes have a more extended cultivation period and consistently attract buyers.
The establishment of a large mango processing plant by a Chinese company in Rattanak Mondul district is underway, signaling a promising future for mango production in Battambang. This development is expected to significantly boost the local mango industry by providing a steady market for the farmers' produce.
A local resident of Rattanak Mondul district shared insights into the ongoing construction of the mango processing facility, noting recent activities aimed at securing storage space for the upcoming mango harvest. This strategic move by the Chinese company is set to revolutionize the mango market in the region within a year.
Rinda, a farmer from Phnom Proek district, shared his personal experience with mango cultivation. Despite dedicating nearly a decade to growing mangoes, recent years have seen diminishing returns, prompting him to switch to more profitable crops such as potatoes and corn. Rinda now focuses on cultivating red corn, cassava, soybeans, Pailin lentils, turmeric, and raising livestock, highlighting the dynamic nature of agricultural practices and the need for adaptability in the face of market changes.
