Johor allocates RM2 million to boost durian industry

New Straits Times

6 days ago

JOHOR BARU: The Johor government has allocated RM2 million this year to strengthen the state's durian industry, aiming to support small- and medium-scale growers and boost fruit production for both local and export markets.
The allocation, jointly provided with the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, is expected to benefit 341 durian farmers and cover approximately 650 hectares of cultivated land.
The initiative is part of Johor's broader plan to upscale tropical fruit farming, with a target of producing more than 900,000 metric tonnes annually by 2027, including major crops such as coconut, pineapple, jackfruit, guava, watermelon, papaya, and banana.
State Agriculture, Agro-based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip said the durian sector continues to show strong potential, especially with growing global demand for Malaysian varieties.
"The durian season may be ending, but our commitment to the industry is only beginning. This RM2 million investment reflects our focus on empowering local farmers and scaling Johor's tropical fruit industry sustainably," he said in a statement today.
Zahari added that while premium varieties such as Musang King and Black Thorn draw international attention, kampung durians still command a loyal following and steady demand.
Kampung durian refers to non-clonal, seed-grown durian trees typically found in rural orchards, smallholdings, or naturally propagated farms across the country.
"The fruit industry remains a key contributor to Johor's agro-economy, and the state plans to continue leveraging its fertile land and established farming networks to elevate export value.
"More funding and technical support are expected to be channelled to fruit cooperatives, research, and infrastructure development over the next two years," he said.