From drones to sensors, Malaysian durian grower goes high-tech

Workers inspecting a soil sensor near durian trees at the Top Fruit durian farm in Batu Pahat in Malaysia's Johor state. Drones spraying pesticide, sensors taking soil readings, sprinklers that squirt fertiliser at the touch of a button – a Malaysian plantation is using high-tech methods to boost its crop of pungent durians. — AFP

BATU PAHAT: Drones spraying pesticide, sensors taking soil readings, sprinklers that squirt fertiliser at the touch of a button – a Malaysian plantation is using high-tech methods to boost its crop of pungent durians.

Grown across South-East Asia, fans hail the spiky durian as the “king of fruit” due to its bittersweet flavours and creamy golden flesh, and it is particularly popular in China.