Cloudy with a chance of durian: Kedah town experiences bumper crop
KUALA NERANG: Favourable weather and improved farming practices have led to a bumper durian harvest in Padang Terap, making the district a top destination for durian lovers in Kedah this season.
A check around Kuala Nerang town found crowds of visitors from across the country flocking to the northern border town during the short school holiday period, eager to sample a wide range of local durian varieties.
Durian trader Jaafar Bakar, 63, said this year's supply from farmers in the district has been overwhelming, with daily deliveries reaching up to three tonnes.
"Alhamdulillah, it's been a huge blessing. Today alone, we received over two tonnes of durian, including Musang King, Blackthorn and kampung varieties," he told the New Straits Times when met at his stall today.
He said the weather had been ideal during the crucial pollination period, cloudy but not overly wet, leading to excellent flowering and subsequently high yields.
"With more fruits per tree, prices have been reasonable this year. Musang King is going for RM45 per kg, Blackthorn at RM50 per kg, and kampung varieties are as low as RM6 per kg, that's RM2 cheaper than last year," he said.
Durian orchard owner Syed Amaluddin Hafeez Syed Musa also attributed the high yield to optimal weather conditions and consistent orchard management.
Syed Amaluddin, who owns 30 trees on a two-relong (0.52hectare) plot, said strategic use of fertiliser and regular watering during dry spells were key to maintaining plant health.
"Yields have been exceptional. Some of my larger trees have at least 40 fruits ripening at once," he said.
State Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman Dzowahir Ab Ghani said this year's success in Padang Terap could be credited to a balance of good weather and improved agricultural knowledge among farmers.
He noted that while weather plays a role, proper care is still critical.
"Durian trees are sensitive. You have to treat them like a full-time job. If it's done half-heartedly, the results won't be great. More farmers today understand this and are more consistent," he said.
He credited the state's Durian Kampung Premium initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Agriculture Department, for the improved yields.
However, growers in other districts, including Sik, Kuala Muda and Baling, reported less promising outcomes this season.
Orchard owner Mohd Amin Zakariya, 40, from Sik, said although his yield in his 85 hectare farm had improved, overall output in the Sik and Baling remained lower than last year's due to ageing farmers and poor upkeep in surrounding orchards.
"Many orchard owners here are retirees. Due to age, their farms aren't as well managed, and that seems to be a contributing factor," he said.
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