February 12, 2025 | The Phnom Penh Post |
A labor shortage has caused a 50% drop in early 2025 Pailin longan yields, while prices have fallen by 10% from 2024. Many agricultural workers migrated to Thailand due to last year’s poor harvest, leaving farmers struggling to gather their fruit in time. Local authorities, including the armed forces, have stepped in to assist.
The concentrated maturation of trees worsened the harvest challenges. The Cambodia Pailin Longan Association is working on long-term solutions to prevent future disruptions. Despite the difficulties, Cambodia continues efforts to expand fresh longan exports to China, with government support.
In the first 11 months of 2024, Cambodia’s fresh Pailin longan exports earned nearly $28 million, marking a 50% increase from 2023. Farmers with pre-harvest contracts are set to receive 3,500 riel per kilogram in early February. Cooperation among stakeholders is crucial to ensuring stable exports and industry growth.
