Battambang seeks longan processing and packing partners for China exports

Pailin longan is grown in almost every district of Battambang province, with varying areas and the largest concentration in Ratanak Mondul, according to Heng Sith, the official responsible for the agriculture department’s statistics office. Total provincial planted area was approximately over 6,000 hectares. Department director Chhim Vichra said specialists’ advice on cultivation and care had increased yields and produced fruit of a quality consistent with export hygiene standards. Farmers’ Pailin longan, also called Ta Ngaen, had produced the expected harvest this year. Following inspections and study of farmers’ orchards in Ratanak Mondul, he said he would seek investment partners to build processing and packing facilities for Pailin longan to export to China in addition to meeting domestic demand, aiming to raise farmers’ incomes and improve household finances. By Pai Sokhim.