Professor Dr. Yoschanan is monitoring the use of innovation and technology to elevate Thailand's fruit export industry. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) aims to apply research along with processing technologies to add value to fruit products from upstream to downstream stages.
On 21 May 2026, Professor Dr. Yoschanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, visited Em Thai Fruit Company Limited in Plubpla Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chanthaburi Province, to inspect the application of science, technology, research, and innovation in upgrading the fruit export industry. Mr. Thawatchai Namsamut, Deputy Governor of Chanthaburi, along with government officials and local entrepreneurs, welcomed the visit.
The Deputy Prime Minister viewed an exhibition of research on post-harvest technology and innovations that improve fruit quality to meet international standards, including a project on a non-destructive durian quality scanner, technology development to enhance durian production efficiency in the Eastern region, market expansion for ready-to-drink and powdered durian products, use of radiation to solve durian seed borer problems, fruit fly control through sterilization techniques to reduce chemical use, and development of value-added products from durian peel to generate income and strengthen communities.
During the visit, representatives of farmers from Troknong Subdistrict, Khlung District, Chanthaburi, presented their perspectives, requesting integrated cooperation among agencies such as the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to expand knowledge application to other areas. They also sought specialized marketing channels to support high-quality produce resulting from technology adoption, enabling sales at higher and fairer prices for farmers.
Professor Dr. Yoschanan responded positively to these proposals, stating that the Ministry is ready to provide comprehensive support both "upstream" through in-depth and basic agricultural research and "downstream" through processing technologies that add value to fruit products. He emphasized that Chanthaburi is a "fruit city," a key strength of Thailand that deserves full support. He also highlighted the importance of developing logistics systems from production sites to consumers to manage costs efficiently and use the resulting data to improve upstream processes.
Furthermore, the Deputy Prime Minister and his team proceeded to visit a private cold storage facility to inspect the fruit processing and cold storage systems, which are crucial components in advancing Thailand's fruit industry to compete effectively in the global market.
