Thailand has made significant strides to bolster the quality and safety of its prized durians through the recent Big Cleaning Day initiative. Held primarily at the Chanthaburi Durian Market and other selected locations across the eastern provinces of Chanthaburi, Rayong, and Trat, the event aimed to meet international safety standards and prevent chemical contamination, particularly from Basic Yellow 2 (BY2).
On February 24, 2023, the event was led by Rapiphat Chantrasriwong, the Director-General of the Department of Agriculture, alongside local government officials and representatives from various agricultural associations, including the Thai Durian Exporters Association and the Thai Fruit Shipping and Export Association. This ambitious initiative began earlier, with farmers and packing houses participating from January 20, 2023, focusing on cleaning and standardizing farming practices for durian production.
The on-site activities encompassed thorough cleaning sessions for both the farms and packing facilities, effectively ensuring the elimination of harmful chemicals and contaminants. This effort reflects Thailand’s commitment to quality, as Rapiphat stated, "The cooperation of all parties will lead to improved quality of Thai durian, creating confidence among trading partners." The event boosted public awareness surrounding the significance of maintaining cleanliness and high standards within the durian industry, particularly as the export market continues to expand.
During the Big Cleaning Day, participants engaged not only in cleaning but also received education on the four prohibitions deemed necessary for quality agriculture. These include: not harvesting immature durians, ensuring there are no pest infestations, not misusing certifications, and avoiding the use of prohibited chemicals. Rapiphat emphasized, "We must work together to raise the quality of Thai durians according to the four prohibitions: do not harvest immature durians, do not allow pests, do not misuse certifications, and do not use prohibited chemicals." This enhanced focus on sanitary practices serves to protect the integrity of Thai durians as they prepare for both domestic and international markets.
The initiative has already shown promise, as local packing houses have begun to adopt stringent cleaning measures since January 20, following protocols established by the Department of Agriculture. These measures include sampling soil, water, and fruit for tests on cadmium and BY2 levels, strict adherence to GAP standards, and ensuring no banned substances are used during production.
Today's event marked not just the culmination of collective efforts from various stakeholders but also highlighted the government's determination to uplift the durian industry. "Today's event will help Thailand’s export potential," said one official, reflecting the unified goals shared by those involved.
Following these initiatives, authorities will continue to monitor compliance with set standards, rewarding producers who pass inspections with certifications affirming their commitment to high standards of quality and safety. The Big Cleaning Day reflects Thailand’s proactive approach to improving agricultural exports and catering to international standards, which can significantly benefit local farmers and the economy as a whole.
Overall, the success of the Big Cleaning Day initiative indicates the growing awareness among Thai durian stakeholders about the importance of safety, hygiene, and quality assurance. With collective efforts, the Thai durian is likely to maintain its reputation as the world's finest, ready to satisfy the discerning tastes of consumers both locally and abroad.