Trade deal inked to promote large-plot farming

BANGKOK, 23 January 2017 (NNT) – Hypermarket chain Tesco Lotus has agreed to purchase over 100,000 kilograms of pineapple from producers using the large-plot farming technique in line with the government’s agricultural restructuring scheme.

Mr Prasong Prapaitrakul, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Agricultural Extension, presided over a ceremony to sign a trade agreement involving the department, Tesco Lotus and a group of pineapple growers from Ban Kha district, Ratchaburi province. Under the three sides’ collaboration, the deal seeks to support large-plot farms by purchasing 110,000 kilograms of Batavia pineapple directly from them throughout this year.

As one of the signatories, Tesco Lotus will be responsible for distributing the fruits to consumers while farmers will be able to plan their cultivation and manage their production costs more effectively.

Mr Prasong stated that the deal is part of the government policy encouraging agriculturists to come together to engage in large-plot farming, which is an effective method of reducing costs and boosting production. He cited the pineapple farmers of Ban Kha district as an exemplary group who are enjoying sustainable income after taking up the new technique.

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