April 3rd, 2024
Ban Khao Hin Thaen Durian Orchard, Moo 2, Wangchan Subdistrict, Wangchan District, Rayong Province.
Mr. Piyachart Khraivanich Beerthun, Director of Area and Human Development (AHD), alongside Mr. Tripop Wongtrairat, Governor of Rayong Province, Ms. Salariwan Thapphawee, Deputy Governor of Rayong, Mr. Wichit Paphonngam, District Chief of Wang Chan, Ms. Waranuch See-daeng, Agriculture Officer of Rayong, Mr. Manop Posayanuwat, Agriculture Officer of Wang Chan District, Mr. Wichian Thongduang, Industry Officer of Rayong, and Mr. Keerivat Onprom, Public Relations Officer of Rayong, joined in the activity of wrapping 60-day-old durians with ‘Magik Growth’ bags, a technology developed by the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), NSTDA. The event was held at Mr. Charoon Pothong’s durian orchard in Ban Khao Hin Thaen, Wang Chan District, Rayong Province, covering an area of 5 Rai, under the project ‘Guaranteed by the Governor—Rayong’s Quality Durians,’ aimed to widely promote Rayong’s durians, building consumer confidence and attracting tourists with the message: ‘Good durians, delicious durians must be from Rayong.’
Mr. Tripop Wongtrairat, Governor of Rayong, asserted that “Rayong Province has elevated its efforts to promote durian cultivation among local farmers using modern agricultural practices to enhance the produce quality. Rayong has a distinct advantage over many areas due to its favorable climate, soil, and water conditions, which contribute to the durians’ fragrant and sweet taste, which is popular among Thai and international consumers, particularly those from China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Rayong celebrates a milestone this year with its ‘Monthong’ durians securing a Geographical Indication (GI) – a mark of pride for the province and a guarantee of quality tied to their geographic origin.”
Mr. Charoon Pothong, Chairman of the Large-Scale Durian Farmers’ Group in Ban Khao Hin Than, stated that using ‘Magik Growth’ bags, an innovative line of technology bags designed to enhance productivity (also known as ‘red bags’), has proven effective. MTEC-developed Magik Growth bags have been shown through research to increase fruit weight by 8-10%, thin the rind, and improve peel appearance, resulting in a higher flesh-to-peel ratio. Additionally, Magik Growth bags deter fruit-boring worms, potentially reducing reliance on chemical control, and are reusable, further lowering production costs.
