IN A MOVE TO lift the Thai durian industry higher Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yodchanan Wongsawat visited Chanthaburi province to promote the use of advanced science and technology to ensure accurate quality control and develop circular economy thus propelling Thailand as the globe’s innovative fruit capital, Amarin TV said this evening (May 21).
Accompanying him were Mr. Danuphorn Punnakant, this ministry’s assistant minister, Mr. Suksit Srichomkwan, deputy secretary-general to the Prime Minister for political affairs; and Mr. Chatrin Chanhom, his secretary. There to welcome him were Chanthaburi’s Deputy Governor Mr. Thawatchai Namsamut and Assoc. Prof. Porphan Sutthiwattana, acting president of Rambhai Barni Rajabhat University among others.
Yodchanan, nephew of de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, said durian is not just an ordinary fruit but a high-value agricultural product with opportunities for continuous development. Seeing the durian lifecycle from upstream to downstream, from variety management to advanced processing, reinforces the understanding that science and innovation are no longer confined to laboratories but are now truly present in the orchards.
The ministry’s key goal is to support Thailand in developing its own proprietary technologies by using the diversity and unique characteristics of Thai fruits as a foundation.
He mentioned the following achievements and developments:
– Thai private companies have adopted artificial intelligence (AI) to accurately check the ripeness and sort durian by weight. They also have internationally standardised processing plants, including freeze-drying and vacuum frying systems.
– The use of safe amounts of X-rays to extend shelf life, delay ripening, and eliminate pests makes it easier for Thai fruits to meet the stringent standards of the US and China. This includes the successful use of gamma radiation to sterilise fruit flies, piloted in Chanthaburi for over 20 years, reducing chemical use and costs for farmers.
– Using radiofrequency waves to inspect unripe and ripe durian, accurately calculating flesh weight and moisture content. This is a big change from the traditional method of tapping with a stick and is an internationally accepted scientific standard and is being expanded to other fruits. This is coupled with proactive research to prevent root and stem rot in durian orchards.
– Revenue is being generated through circular economy with Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research and its network of universities having successfully extracted high-quality cellulose and fibre from durian peels, previously considered waste. These have been developed into premium-grade paper pulp, eco-friendly packaging, and composite materials for eco-furniture, significantly reducing the carbon footprint.
– Durian pulp is being further developed into innovative beverages, including ready-to-drink durian juice and powdered durian drinks, retaining its unique aroma and smooth, balanced taste.
“Today is another day where I clearly see an opportunity. Integrating science with our existing resources will not only increase the value of durian but also improve the lives of farmers and sustainably propel Thailand towards becoming the capital of innovative fruits,” Yoschanan said.
Thawatchai said Chanthaburi produces over 800,000 tons of fruit annually and is a major fruit distribution centre in the country. The application of technology throughout the supply chain, from production and sorting to processing and transportation, is crucial as this boosts confidence in both domestic and international markets.
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Top and Front Page – Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat in Chanthaburi and a durian factory, inserted. Photos – Amarin TV
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