CityNews – Chiang Mai longan growers have urged the ruling junta to control prices for the fruit, which have slumped to a three-year low.
Representatives of growers from Sarapee, Hang Dong, Doi Lo, Mae Wang and Sanpatong districts filed the petition at the 33rd Military Circle’s Reserve Officer Training Centre this morning.
They also called on the National Council for Peace and Order to provide financial support for agriculturalists and buy lower-quality longans for 18 baht per kilo.
Millions of tons of longans from Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Chiang Rai and Lampang provinces have been exported to world markets this month. More will be exported in August, when prices are expected to fall further.
Chiang Mai’s annual longan festival will be held at Tha Pae Gate from this Wednesday to Saturday, with local vendors selling fresh fruit, souvenirs and other food.