July 01, 2025 | The Nation |
China’s growing love for Thai durians, known for their rich flavor, is fueling a major transformation in Thailand’s durian industry. As demand soars—China imported 1.56 million tons in 2024, nearly 60% from Thailand—Thai farmers are modernizing their practices with Chinese technological support. The Thai Digital Economy Promotion Agency launched the “Digital Durian Initiative” to help farmers manage uncertainties using smart tools to track crop data.
Chinese companies like Beyondsoft are piloting smart orchards in Chanthaburi, Thailand’s key durian-producing province. These orchards now use integrated water-fertilizer systems, soil sensors, and real-time monitoring to improve productivity, reduce labor costs, and ensure better crop quality.
Meanwhile, tech solutions like Huawei’s AI-powered infrared sensors are helping automate fruit ripeness testing, increasing accuracy and efficiency in quality control. Major Thai exporters and companies like CP Group are adopting these innovations to meet international standards and maintain their global reputation.
Thai durians are also gaining popularity beyond Asia, appearing in fusion cuisine and upscale retailers in the US, UK, and Australia. With projections showing Thailand could export 1.1 million tons in 2025, nearly all to China, the durian industry is embracing smart farming to boost exports and meet global demand sustainably.
