Chiang rai: The Department of Cooperative Promotion has swiftly responded to the urgent policy directives of Deputy Minister Piyarat Tiyapairat, uniting cooperative networks nationwide to expedite the distribution of Dairy Farming Organization of Thailand (DPO) milk and fruits.
According to Thai News Agency, these measures have been prioritized following urgent policy announcements by Ms. Piyarat Tiyapairat, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives. The department, led by Director-General Nirun Multhida, is mobilizing cooperative networks to improve the distribution of these products. The aim is to address oversupply, enhance bargaining power, and directly connect products to consumers through the supply chain by linking cooperative networks and distribution centers.
This initiative was discussed at the "Cooperative Gathering" event in Chiang Rai, focusing on both agricultural and non-agricultural cooperatives. The plan, as outlined by Mr. Nirun, is to expand network connectivity beyond agriculture to assist in marketing and distribution through cooperative distribution centers. Deputy Director-General Narit has been assigned to oversee this initiative.
The department's data indicates that there are 6,133 cooperatives with over 11 million members, representing about 16.72% of the population. Preparations for urgent distribution of dairy products, particularly the "Red Cow Milk" under the Thai-Denmark brand, are underway. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, through Permanent Secretary Winairoj Sapsongsook, is coordinating efforts to clear approximately 7.3 million cartons of milk through the cooperative network.
The Director-General highlighted plans for a new distribution round of DPO milk, aiming to assist DPO with marketing. The ministry's involvement is crucial in launching this program, and cooperatives are prepared to act immediately.
Regarding fruit distribution, the focus is on involving non-agricultural cooperatives in every province to create synergy from production to consumption. Ms. Pichsini Sawangroj, Phitsanulok Provincial Cooperative Officer, confirmed that the cooperative networks in her province are ready to distribute products to members, having rehearsed the process with the department. The fruit distribution network, although established, lacked cohesion, which this initiative seeks to address.
The cooperative networks in Phitsanulok have expressed readiness to sell DPO milk and distribute fruits, aiming to include these products as gifts and souvenirs during the Songkran festival. The main distribution will occur through the Cooperative Distribution Center of Wat Chan Cooperative Limited.