Trang Farmer Shifts from Rubber to Diversified Cempedak Farming
A rubber farmer in Trang province has converted five rai of land into a diversified orchard, focusing on nine varieties of cempedak to ensure stable income.
According to a report by Khaosod Online on October 20, 2026, a farmer in Huai Yot district, Trang province, has transitioned away from traditional rubber cultivation. Facing price volatility in the rubber market and a lack of interest from the younger generation in rubber tapping, Mr. Jirayut Hiran decided to clear five rai of his rubber plantation to establish a mixed-farming orchard.
Mr. Hiran has planted approximately 130 cempedak trees across nine distinct varieties, including popular types such as Khwan Trakun, Thong Champa, and Ruang Thong. In addition to cempedak, the orchard incorporates other local crops like jackfruit, sataw (stink beans), and pineapples. This diversification strategy aims to mitigate financial risks associated with relying on a single cash crop and to provide a more consistent, year-round income stream.
For residents and visitors, this shift highlights a broader trend in Southern Thailand where agricultural landscapes are evolving to adapt to changing economic realities and labor preferences. While the orchard is now operational, the long-term commercial success of these specific cempedak varieties in the local market remains to be seen as the trees mature. This transition serves as a notable example of local agricultural adaptation in the face of shifting market demands.
