Korat launches special fair to sweep up mountains of sweet corn

Up to 20 tonnes of the 200 tonnes put up for sale were snapped up in 30 minutes and organisers also held workshops to share ideas on manufacturing corn-based products.

Another 100 Kg of corn, plus Bt500, was put up as a prize for a corn eating contest. The winner, 39-year-old Wichayaporn Thip-Utai, walked away with the loot after munching down 1.1 kilos of corn within four minutes.

The northeastern province, which also goes by the name Korat, is blessed with many kinds of cash crops and agriculture is the main occupation there.

Governor Wichien Chantharanotha said all sectors, especially the farming sector, have been affected by the pandemic. Farm products are flooding the market due to a drop in orders and limits in cross-border transportation, he said.

More than 12,000 rai is devoted to sweet corn in Soeng Sang, Khonburi and Nong Bunnak districts. About 3,000 rai of corn with an approximate yield of 9,000 tonnes is waiting to be harvested.