KOTA SAMARAHAN: Sarawak’s durian industry is poised to grow as a high-value commodity, making continuous upskilling among growers essential to maintain stable production and secure long-term profitability.
Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (Food Industry), Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail said that strengthening growers’ knowledge was vital as the sector faced increasingly complex challenges from pests and plant diseases.
He said systematic farm management, the use of quality fertilisers and correct pesticide application were key factors in ensuring consistent yields and high-quality fruits.
“With continuous support from industry partners such as FastGrow Fertilizer, the use of quality fertilisers, appropriate crop protection products and proper farm management knowledge can help durian growers increase productivity while reducing losses caused by disease outbreaks,” he said.
He said this while speaking at the Durian Crop Disease Management and Control Course held at the Sarawak State Farmers’ Organisation Hall yesterday.
Dr Abdul Rahman, who is also chairman of the Sarawak State Farmers’ Organisation (PPNS), added that the durian course was instrumental in exposing participants to effective disease control methods while strengthening their understanding of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), a foundation for sustainable agricultural development.
He also highlighted PPNS’s commitment to guiding farmers through technology transfer, continuous training and strategic collaborations with the private sector and relevant agencies to modernise the agricultural sector.
In support of farmers, he said PPNS subsidised half of the original RM300 course fee, allowing participants to attend the programme at RM150.
He also said that the course provided participants with year-round knowledge on durian crop care, including fertilisation schedules, disease control strategies, farm management techniques and phased fruiting preparation.
The initiative reflects the Sarawak government’s ongoing efforts, in partnership with PPNS, to empower the agricultural sector while improving the livelihoods and resilience of local farmers.
