Asia Insight

Defending the King of Fruit: Thailand (11x13)

Air date: May 27, 2022

Durian, a sweet, intense-smelling fruit, is known as the King of Fruit in Thailand. Nonthaburi Province is home to a traditional farming method passed down from generation to generation to cultivate top-quality durians. Top varieties can cost several hundred dollars each. However, in 2011, record flooding hit the area, destroying many farms and livelihoods. Adding to farmers' woes, the absence of successors and urban development is pushing them toward an unprecedented existential crisis. We follow 2 farmers who continue to protect their fields and pass on their durian heritage.