Arrangement sees representatives purchase directly from farmers for export to China
Direct exports of longan from Cambodia to China have stabilised local prices in recent years, bolstering the local industry, and securing steady profits, according to a report from Malaysia Sun.
The publication shared the story of Sen Sokhoeun, a longan farmer based in western Cambodia who owns a 16ha longan orchard in Pailin province, which yields around 80 tonnes per year.
Sokhoeun said that since the direct exports to China began in October 2022, she no longer worried about making sales. Company representatives had already visited ahead of this season’s harvest securing fruit for export.
“During the harvest season, the longan community representatives purchase directly from our farms,” she told Xinhua in a recent interview. “As a farmer, I’m thrilled when our harvest sells easily and brings in high profits.”
Sokhoeun said the arrangement suited local farmers because it provided a stable sales channel.
“China’s purchases give us the incentive to expand cultivation because our produce is easy to sell at a competitive price,” she said. “Our longans are sweet, delicious, and full of flavour.”
According to Malaysia Sun, longan is among five Cambodian fresh fruits with direct access to the Chinese market, alongside bananas, mangoes, coconuts, and durian.
Sa Chamroeun, a representative of China Jinkwoayuan Import Export (Cambodia), which purchases fresh longans from Cambodian farmers for export to China, told Xinhua the company sent 18,000 tonnes of fresh longan to China last year, with plans to increase this to 30,000 tonnes annually.
“The Chinese market is vast, and our current longan supply falls short of meeting their high demand; therefore, we must scale up cultivation,” he told Xinhua.
He said the direct export channel has stabilised the local market, increasing local farmers’ incomes.
“Year after year, our farmers’ livelihoods have significantly improved, with many now able to build proper houses and afford cars,” he said.
