Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn presided over a ceremony marking the start of the harvest season at the large-scale durian farming project office in Srisoonthorn, Thalang.
Joining the event were Phuket Provincial Agricultural Officer Sirima Bangassareh, Thalang District Chief Wilailak Ruangphol, Srisoonthorn Mayor Chalermphon Kerdsap, Chairman of the Srisoonthorn large-scale durian farming project Suthikit Tamchu, government officials and local farmers.
Speaking at the event, Ms Sirima said Phuket is home to 945 durian-growing households, with around 70% cultivating native durian varieties and 30% growing commercial varieties.
The province has a total durian cultivation area of 2,945 rai, of which 2,613 rai are currently producing fruit. This year’s harvest is expected to total about 599 tonnes, with produce reaching markets between June and August.
The ceremony included Phuket’s symbolic first durian cut of the season, officially signalling that the province’s durians are ready for sale.
Officials said the initiative is intended to build consumer confidence by promoting the sale of fully ripened fruit and discouraging the marketing of immature durians.
The event also featured a durian exhibition, market outlook discussions for seasonal fruit crops and workshops on harvesting techniques and starch-content testing to ensure fruit quality.
Experts from the Phang Nga Provincial Agricultural Office, the Phuket Agricultural Research and Development Centre and the Land Development Station provided advice on production standards, soil management and the use of biological pest-control methods.
Governor Nirat said the project supports Phuket’s development strategy by preserving and promoting high-quality local durian varieties while helping farmers increase income through improved production standards and marketing.
He said the province plans to focus on identifying and conserving quality native varieties, developing standardised production processes, strengthening farmer groups and expanding marketing efforts.
The governor added that durian tourism could provide visitors with a new way to experience Phuket beyond its beaches, offering opportunities to visit orchards, learn about local farming practices and support rural communities.
Meanwhile, Srisoonthorn Municipality announced that its annual ‘Srisoonthorn Fruit Road 2026’ festival will be held from June 11-13.
Mayor Chalermphon said last year’s event attracted more than 30,000 visitors over two days and generated significant income for local farmers and businesses.
This year’s festival will feature fresh fruit direct from local orchards, community products, local cuisine, cultural performances and concerts by well-known artists, with organisers expecting strong attendance from both Thai and international visitors.
Officials hope the combined events will help raise the profile of Phuket’s agricultural sector, create additional tourism opportunities and support sustainable income for farming communities across the island.