The Thai government is ready to sell a combined 16,700 tons of fruit worth 762 million baht (US$23.68 million) via five modern trade operators during the harvest season in an effort to offset decline in exports.

The Ministry of Commerce signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Big C, Tesco Lotus, The Mall, Makro and Tops Market to serve as distribution channels for fruit harvested over the next 3-4 months, Minister Jurin Laksanawisit was quoted as saying.

Under the MoU, participating modern trade operators have signed 40 purchase contracts with farmers, farmers groups and community enterprises, covering nine fruits. The fruit management plan needs urgent adjustment this year thanks to the outbreak, he said.

In previous years, exports would absorb as much as 60 percent of production. This year Thailand needs to focus more on the domestic market, offline and offline sales to help offset lower exports, Jurin added. Ministry officials in the provinces have been tasked with selling as much fruit as possible.

Earlier this month the Commerce and Agriculture ministries teamed up to focus on the domestic market, covering production management; distribution channels; business matching among traders, importers and Thai operators; financial support; and safety standards.