By Zaki Salleh
Photo: Wat Kamal Abas
LARUT: The potential of durian as an economic source is evident with approximately 1,000 tons of the fresh king of fruits set to be exported to China starting this October through the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA).
For the first time, the export of fresh durians has been given the green light by the Chinese government, as previously only frozen durians were exported.
FAMA Chairman, Aminuddin Zulkipli, said the approval was granted following a visit by the Premier of the People’s Republic of China to this country recently.
He stated that FAMA has been entrusted with the responsibility of promoting the country’s agricultural products to penetrate international markets.
“This fresh durian export program is part of FAMA’s initiative to assist small durian farmers, including strengthening the supply chain from the farm to the international market.
“The FAMA Batu Kurau Operations Center is the first facility for the production of durians to be exported.
“Therefore, I hope that small farmers can take advantage of the existing facilities and networks so that their produce can be exported to China,” he said.
He said this after attending a Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Engagement Session with durian entrepreneurs for the Chinese market at the FAMA Batu Kurau Operations Center.
The popularity of Batu Kurau durian among enthusiasts is seen as an advantage for the fruit to penetrate international markets.
The naming of durians in the hilly areas here with cool weather is said to be one of the reasons Batu Kurau durians are tastier compared to the king of fruits in other places.
