Perak government is ensuring Batu Kurau remains strong in durian production. — Filepic
BATU Kurau in Perak has been recognised as one of the main hubs for durian kampung.
State rural development, plantation, agriculture and food industry committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun said several efforts had been undertaken by the Agriculture Department to ensure Batu Kurau continued to increase its production.
He said that from the beginning of 2011, the area was included in the department’s Durian Cluster Development programme.
“Until 2020, RM3.9mil had been allocated to Batu Kurau, benefitting 952 participants.
“After 2020, under the Long-term Fruit Development Programme, RM500,000 was spent to assist 144 entrepreneurs by providing durian clone seedlings, fertiliser and pesticides as well as upgrading farm infrastructure,” he said when replying to Datuk Mohd Najmuddin Elias (PN-Batu Kurau) at the Perak State Assembly sitting in Ipoh.
Mohd Najmuddin had asked about steps taken to develop Batu Kurau as a durian production centre.
Mohd Zolkafly said Malaysian Agriculture Research and Development Institute (Mardi) had offered durian seedlings of MDUR78, MDUR79 and MDUR88 varieties.
He said MDUR was a high-quality durian with thicker flesh and taste comparable to Musang King.
“It is a hybrid clone produced through Mardi crossbreeding programmes over 23 years.
“Since 2022, Perak State Agriculture Development Corporation (SADC) had also been involved in the commercial development and planting of durian, with the focus area being Batu Kurau.
“SADC has planned a durian orchard agrotourism project in Batu Kurau.
“Their target is to complete the cleaning and development of the land by this year.
“SADC proposes to plant Musang King and Black Thorn durian, which have high commercial value,” he added.
