PETALING JAYA: The future success of Malaysia’s durian business depends on improved plantation management and the adoption of sustainable farming practices, say manufacturers and farmers.
This is especially so as Malaysia gears up to meet the growing export demands ever since the country began sending whole frozen durian to China five years ago.
As such, industry players are calling for an improvement in the quality of the fruit, better plantation management and sustainable practices.
Durian Manufacturer Association president Eric Chan said durian farmers should focus on plantation management to produce high-quality varieties that meet export requirements.
“Malaysian consumers can discern the quality and taste of durians. With improved planting methods, proper temperature control, and adequate watering and fertilisation, the fruit’s yield rate can be high, potentially allowing year-round durian consumption,” he said.
Chan urged more farmers to obtain the Malaysia Good Agriculture Practices certification, which he sees as the future trend.
The certification scheme was designed by the Agriculture Department in 2002 to give recognition to farms that adopt good agricultural practices with an environmentally friendly concept, safeguarding the welfare and safety of workers to produce quality, safe and edible products.
Top Fruits Plantation managing director Tan Sue Sian said Malaysian durians have a huge export potential while advocating for the adoption of smart and modern farming techniques, which utilise data to analyse the optimal timing for watering and fertilising durian trees.
Tan, who has 20 years of experience, observed that nearly 80% of farmers in Malaysia still rely on traditional methods, which often require more time and money.
Given the rising cost of fertilisers, Tan said smart farming is more cost-effective than traditional methods, as it reduces labour costs.
“Although the initial investment for smart farming is 30% higher than traditional methods, the return rate exceeds 40% over time.
“These planting data not only help with watering and fertilisation but also ensure stable growth and yield, especially in the face of global warming,” he said.
Durian Mama chief executive officer Wan Ting said that durian cultivation would not merely satisfy Malaysians’ taste for the fruit but it was also a way to boost local tourism and the economy.
“Visitors enjoy learning about durian cultivation and tasting fresh durians in the orchards. Tourism, including hotel stays and local spending, contributes to economic growth,” she said.
