Get ready, it’s durian time

King of fruits: Tan inspecting a durian at his farm in Balik Pulau. He says the weather plays a crucial role in determining the amount of crop this year. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

BALIK PULAU: Everything seems to be falling into place for durian sellers this year particularly with the reopening of international borders, and the expectation of a bumper crop.

Orchard owner and supplier Tan Chee Keat, 30, said the durian trees were flowering well due to the dry and hot weather early this year.

“However, now is still a crucial period as continuous heavy rains might cause the fruits to fall before they are ripe.

“The climate plays a crucial role in determining the amount of crop this year.

“As of now, the durian flower to fruit ratio is about 75% – which is a good sign,” he said.

Tan said the durian season would likely peak between the end of May to September.

“We can expect a bumper crop if there is no continuous heavy rain and winds in the coming few weeks.

“The first batch of durian is expected in April but the yield would not be much.

“We hope the peak season will be longer this year but again, it all depends on the weather.

“Durian flowers need dry and hot weather to fully bloom,” he said when met at one of his orchards in Balik Pulau.

Tan, who also has farms in Teluk Bahang, Teluk Kumbar and Relau, said one orchard would usually have between three to four harvesting periods a year.

“Different orchards have different times for the trees to bear fruits.

“There will definitely be sufficient durian supply for both local and international markets.

“We have varieties like Musang King, Hor Lor, Black Thorn and Ang Heh, among others.

“Our yield is estimated to be at least two times more compared to last year,” he said.

After two years of having to bear the brunt of the pandemic, Tan said he expects business to be better this year.

“Sales will definitely increase as interstate travel is now allowed.

“We have received many enquiries from our local customers who want to come to our orchards and enjoy the King of Fruits.

“I also expect our regular overseas customers, especially those from China, Indonesia and Singapore, to return after April 1.

“This will definitely boost our business.

“Although our costs have increased as the prices of pesticides, fungicides and fertilisers have increased by at least 50%, we will try to maintain our product price,” he said.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Tan said he started offering delivery services besides exporting his durians overseas.

“We started providing delivery services in 2020 when the movement control order was first implemented.

“Last year, we started exporting durians to our customers overseas as they were unable to visit Malaysia.

“About 60% of our business is from exports,” he said.

Bao Sheng Durian Orchard owner Chang Teik Seng said the peak durian season would be from the end of May till the beginning of July.

“We have three batches of durian flowers, which means that we will be having three harvesting periods, each within a 40-day cycle,” he said.

Chang said it is still too early to talk about durian prices this year.

He said he plans to continue with delivery services due to the high number of Covid-19 cases, adding that the services would be available in Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Alor Setar in Kedah.

“With the reopening of international borders on April 1, we are expecting an influx of customers, especially those from China, Hong Kong and Singapore,” he said.