Loved by many while hated by others, durian is one of the most controversial fruit in Southeast Asia (Photo: durian.timtyler.org)Saturday August 19, 2006
SUBIN KHEUNKAEW
Bangkok Post (Thailand)
Uttaradit - The devastating floods and mudslide that hit Laplae district in this northern province in May is believed to have brought about the best durian season growers have seen in years. In the district worst-hit by the flash floods, with heavy casualties and damage to property, about 70% of the durian orchards that survived nature's wrath have seen some ''miraculous yields'', said tambon Hua Dong municipality mayor Samran Ueajirawanit.
''Villagers agreed that nature has given them something back,'' he said.
Container trucks have had to be brought in to transport the fruit from the orchards.
Orchard owners are selling durian at the handsome price of 21 baht a kilogramme.
News of the large yields have drawn many exporters from the eastern province of Chanthaburi looking for quality mon thong durians to supply to China, Cambodia and Indonesia. Each day, durians are packed in boxes and loaded in air-conditioned containers heading for Laem Chabang port.
The harvest, which will end next month, is likely to exceed an unprecedented 4,000 tonnes. ''It allows the farmers to forget their sorrow,'' said Mr Samran.
Elsewhere in the district, however, life remains a daily struggle.
The going is tough for 140 other families in the same district whose houses were swept away by the mudslide. Many built new homes 20km away at Ban Mon Nang Laem.
''My kids travel 20km to school, and I still have no idea how to feed my family,'' said Lom Kamduang. ''I can't afford to die here, there isn't a single temple or hospital around.''
The 40-year-old managed to save only his family and the clothes they were wearing on the night of the devastating flood.
Recovering from the tragedy was harder for older people, he said.
''Villagers agreed that nature has given them something back,'' he said.
Container trucks have had to be brought in to transport the fruit from the orchards.
Orchard owners are selling durian at the handsome price of 21 baht a kilogramme.
News of the large yields have drawn many exporters from the eastern province of Chanthaburi looking for quality mon thong durians to supply to China, Cambodia and Indonesia. Each day, durians are packed in boxes and loaded in air-conditioned containers heading for Laem Chabang port.
The harvest, which will end next month, is likely to exceed an unprecedented 4,000 tonnes. ''It allows the farmers to forget their sorrow,'' said Mr Samran.
Elsewhere in the district, however, life remains a daily struggle.
The going is tough for 140 other families in the same district whose houses were swept away by the mudslide. Many built new homes 20km away at Ban Mon Nang Laem.
''My kids travel 20km to school, and I still have no idea how to feed my family,'' said Lom Kamduang. ''I can't afford to die here, there isn't a single temple or hospital around.''
The 40-year-old managed to save only his family and the clothes they were wearing on the night of the devastating flood.
Recovering from the tragedy was harder for older people, he said.
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