Durian season, 2024: Production projected to drop by 18% YoY and growers’ income may rise by only 0.3% YoY despite soaring prices (Current Issue No.3506 Full Ed.)

• The durian season in Thailand typically runs from April to August. In 2024, it is expected that the overall durian production in the country will fall by 18 percent YoY. The decline may be seen in the eastern region first by approximately 14 percent YoY ahead of the El Niño phenomenon. Subsequently, more durian supplies will come from the southern region, but durian production here may drop by 25 percent YoY as low levels of precipitation have hurt the flowering and fruiting cycles of durian trees. These problems are expected to be compounded by dry spells while harvesting, as well.
• As a result, the overall income of durian growers in 2024 may increase by only 0.3 percent YoY despite soaring prices of up to 22 percent YoY. Income for durian growers in the eastern region may increase by only 4 percent, while income of durian growers in southern Thailand is projected to decline by 8 percent YoY.