Cambodian durian farmers and traders are voicing out concerns on how to bring their products to the market, as Phnom Penh and Takmao are imposing restrictions. Durians are traditionally brought to the market from February to August, with most ripening between April and May. An extended lockdown would certainly impact sales, as the fruit’s biggest market is in Phnom Penh.
Kong Lay, an owner of a durian plantation in Kampot, told econotimes.com that 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.