Bangkok: Minister of Agriculture Narumon Pinyosinwat has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra for her directive to all government ministries to assist in the promotion and purchase of Thai fruits. The initiative aims to stabilize prices and prevent middlemen from reducing them. Narumon highlighted that this year has seen a significant influx of produce into the market and has tasked the Agricultural Cooperatives Organization of Thailand (AOT) with acting as an intermediary to procure products for government agencies.

According to Thai News Agency, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narumon Pinyosinwat, the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, emphasized the importance of the Prime Minister’s support during a recent meeting of government heads. The Prime Minister’s orders were geared towards addressing the issue of market oversupply by encouraging government agencies to back Thai agricultural products, particularly fruits. Narumon extended her gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of fruit farmers nationwide, acknowledging the attention given to agricultural challenges.

Narumon further elaborated that the Prime Minister’s vision extends beyond merely selling agricultural products. There is a focus on implementing measures to stabilize prices and safeguard against middlemen’s influence on price reduction. The Prime Minister is also open to private sector involvement in various capacities to support the initiative.

During a cabinet meeting held on May 6, the Agricultural Marketing Organization (ATO) was tasked with providing mangoes and sticky rice with mangoes to meeting participants. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mr. Itthi Sirilathayakorn, informed attendees that the year is expected to yield a substantial quantity of Thai fruits. Consequently, ministries and government agencies are being urged to incorporate Thai fruits into their meetings and events. The ATO is positioned to facilitate the procurement and delivery of these products from farmers to government bodies.