Challenging season for durian farmers

Thorny times: Tan checking on durians at his orchard in Balik Pulau.

GEORGE TOWN: Amid the intense fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, durian plantation owners are facing some thorny issues, from an insufficient number of workers to a big drop in demand, which is also expected to be affected by the upcoming Ramadan month.

This year, the durian season is likely to begin at the end of this month, around the same time as the puasa month, which will likely start on April 24.

A Balik Pulau resident identified only as Abd Kamal, 60, said the majority of Muslims would avoid durian during Ramadan as it was considered too heavy for the breaking of fast.