Cambodia's durian farmers, traders worry about selling during lockdowns

Cambodian durian farmers and traders are voicing out concerns on how to bring their products to the market, with Phnom Penh and Takmao imposing restrictions.

Durian yields are traditionally brought to the market from February to August, with most ripening between April and May.

An extended lockdown would certainly impact durian sales because the fruit’s biggest market is in Phnom Penh.

According to Kong Lay, an owner of a durian plantation in Kampot, the coinciding of the harvest and lockdown of Phnom Penh and Takhmao are causing difficulties for both farmers and sellers who can now only sell online or via phone.

He noted that during the lockdown, it is impossible to sell in-person at stores.

While the fruit is still being transported from Kampot to Phnom Penh, traveling restrictions have made the inter-provincial shipping process more difficult.

Door-to-door delivery services in Phnom Penh also face obstacles.