Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - GI recognition creates juicy market for Koh Trong island pomelos

GI recognition creates juicy market for Koh Trong island pomelos

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Koh Trong pomelos in Koh Trong commune – a part of Kratie town, Kratie province. FACEBOOK

GI recognition creates juicy market for Koh Trong island pomelos

Cambodia shipped out 34,918.44 tonnes of pomelos to international markets in the first 11 months of 2021, representing a nearly 120 per cent year-on-year surge, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Thailand was the main buyer during the period with 34,854 tonnes, followed by Vietnam (64.44 tonnes).

Chean Rina, president of the Kratie province-based Koh Trong Pomelo Producer Association, told The Post that this year’s harvest was higher than in 2020 due to favourable weather and increased cultivation, but noted that the quality of the citrus fruit noticeably went down.

Some of the pomelos were dry or without much flesh, which baffled the association, she said, pointing out that the farmers in Koh Trong commune grow the trees without using chemicals.

She said there is no official data on crop yields in the island commune – a part of Kratie town – and added that farmers grow and sell their produce independently.

“This year’s output is higher than last year’s, but prices have fallen slightly due to poor quality. This shouldn’t be a problem for the market,” Rina said, adding that the capital is the main destination for the pomelos.

Sitha, a farmer in Koh Trong, said the pomelos specifically grown on the island have gained wider recognition due to the geographical indication (GI) tag, adding that visitors enjoy their taste and admire the size of the fruit.

“Koh Trong pomelos are very abundant during October-November, but now in December they’re starting to get scarce, so prices are also higher, ranging from 7,000-8,000 riel [$1.72-1.97] a pop,” she said.

According to the association president, the island’s population is almost exclusively made up of pomelo growers.

Rina said 200 households grow 13,790 trees on a total area of 35ha, each plant which yields at least 100 pomelos each year.

In June 2018, the “Koh Trong Pomelo” was awarded the prestigious GI status by the World Intellectual Property Organisation. The Ministry of Commerce had reportedly applied for the label in a bid to protect the identity of the traditional product and stimulate economic growth.

MOST VIEWED

  • Five-year-old Hanuman dances his way into hearts of Cambodia

    A young talent from a new-established settlement has emerged, captivating the online world with his mesmerising performances of the traditional Cambodian monkey dance. Roeun Kakada is a five-year-old prodigy who has taken the social media sphere by storm with his exceptional dance skills and dedication

  • Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills

    A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,

  • Honda shutters Siem Reap football club

    Japanese football legend Keisuke Honda, the owner of Siem Reap football club Soltilo Angkor FC, has been forced to shut the club down, after it failed to attract sponsorship for the upcoming season. Honda, the former manager of the Cambodia men's national football team, said

  • Hun Sen warns of regional tensions

    ASIA is becoming a dangerous geopolitical hotspot, with several countries announcing that they intend to send naval vessels towards Southeast Asia and on to the South China Sea, warned Prime Minister Hun Sen. “Heated geopolitical issues can easily escalate, namely to war. I am not

  • PM declares ASEAN Para Games open

    The 12th ASEAN Para Games officially kicked off on the evening of June 3 at Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, with a spectacular opening ceremony featuring fireworks and performances by some of the Kingdom’s most accomplished talents. Tens of thousands of sports fans

  • Waterway job still pending for Kampot tourism port’s opening

    The search is still on for a contractor to expand and deepen the Kampot International Tourism Port’s waterway and deliver additional enhancements allowing safe access for larger vessels, nearly a year after the main construction work on the 4.25ha site was completed on June 30, 2022.