ALOR SETAR: Kedah is set to become one of the leading exporters of high quality durian varieties such as Musang King, “Duri Hitam” and D24 when the crop planting project in Kulim, Sik and Baling produce results in three years time.
Kedah Agriculture and Agro-based Industry and Transport Committee chairman Azman Nasrudin said to date, 30 farmers in the state have begun planting this durian species on 50 hectares of land since last year.
He said the project, being monitored and carried out under the guidance of the State Agriculture Department, is expected to produce around 1,500 metric tonnes of durian per hectare with each hectare expected to yield as much as 30 metric tonnes.
The Kulim, Sik and Baling districts were selected following the topography of the land and suitability of the soil besides encouraging farmers in Kubang Pasu, Padang Terap and Yan to plant these durian species, he told reporters after opening the 2019 Durian Festival at the Darul Aman Stadium compound here, today.
Meanwhile, Azman said the state government welcomed more orchard owners in the state to switch to planting durian trees which was in great demand and brought in higher revenue.
According to him, the Kedah Agriculture Department was ready to provide assistance to farmers through adult tree grafting so that the trees do not take long to bear fruits and give high returns to farmers who have been dependent on kampung durians which are sold cheaply.
“The project is expected to rival Pahang, which is now a major producer of high quality durian varieties and the Department of Agriculture is ready to help provide advice and guidance to farmers, in order to increase their income,” he said. – Bernama
