MIRI: A Durian Fest featuring native varieties has been proposed at the Kabuloh Agriculture Station in Bekenu near here at a later date.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah announced that this was to allow the people to know and taste them.
“We will be inviting durian growers in the division to participate as they could bring those varieties which are unique to the state so that they could be identified,” he said after visiting the station yesterday.
Uggah said that there is always the possibility that they can develop them into special products for overseas markets.
“We will also invite those exporting durian paste to China to interact with the growers, to know that there are varieties (in paste form) and where the main suppliers are.”
He stated that the station has 600 mature durian trees and were expected to bear fruits this year.
He then clarified a social media posting on whether Sarawak is really exporting durian paste to China.
“Yes, this is real and has happened. This is no political talk.
“This year we have sold 100 tons of durian paste so far and we aim to increase it to 200 tons or more.
“We are not selling the fruit because they have yet to gain access to China,” he explained.
Uggah, who is also Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Minister, said the proposed durian collection centre at Long Lama would be constructed.
“The fund is already with the Public Works Department. We are waiting for them to begin construction.
“I hope it could be done as soon as possible for it to be used by the next durian season.”
He added that it was the government’s plan to turn Kabuloh into an agricultural research station for the state’s northern region.
“The northern region has various types of soil as well as crops and fruits that seem to grow comparatively well.
“We want to do research within its developed area, as the objectives are to increase productivity, improve quality, produce excellent planting materials and find out the best maintenance methods for crops and fruit trees,” he said, adding that it was important to maintain the station properly.
Also present was acting permanent secretary to the ministry Awang Johari Awang Mustapha.
