SARAWAK has the potential to tap the high demand for durian products in view of the vast resources and suitable climate, the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) was told yesterday.
It is estimated that there are about 400,000 matured durian trees throughout Sarawak, said Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development and Rural Economy Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
“Sarawak has the potential to be the lead producer of durian products,” he told the august House during his winding-up speech.
Uggah also highlighted two initiatives programme to help boost up the durian productions.
The first programme is Durian Rehabilitation Programme.
“In 2018, an Anchor Company with vast experience in durian cultivation, processing and with international market access was appointed to help the state; a sum of RM2.5 million was allocated for a pilot durian rehabilitation project in Kuching, Serian, Limbang, Betong and Miri,” Uggah said.
“Since there is a high demand for the programme, my ministry has decided to extend this programme to other Divisions in 2019 with an allocation of RM4 million,” he added. Another initiative is the Durian New Planting Programme.
“In addition to Durian Rehabilitation Programme, a sum of RM3 million is allocated for Durian New Planting Programme targeted for smallholders in 2019,” he said.
The participants of the project would be assisted in the form of planting materials focusing on Musang King variety. Local high quality durians will also be promoted and planted, he said.
