Sabah avocado target still way off
Published on: Mon, Aug 11, 2025
By: Wu Vui Tek Text Size: Local QAV1 (Quoin) avocado species. Kota Kinabalu: Avocado cultivation in Sabah still need a few more years to meet the market demand. 'Currently, the avocado cultivation area spans about 330 hectares among our members (Sabah Durian and Fisheries Tropical Fruit Planters Association-MaSDA). 'Each hectare yields between 4 and 10 tonnes in the first three years. 'Maybe we can produce around 1,000 tonnes per season next year from our members,' said Gerard Baxter, one of the avocado farmers from Tenom, during the launch of the local QAV1 (Quoin) avocado species by Deputy Chief Minister I and Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
Advertisement MaSDA has over 170 members all over Sabah. The launch was held in conjunction with the 2025 National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen Day (HPPNK) at the Sabah International Convention Centre. On average and depending on the farm' size, maybe some farmers can produce 10 tonnes,' said Gerard, adding that they also embarked educational tour in overseas to improve yield. President of MaSDA, Duane Evans, said they are working closely with the Agriculture Department to develop the fruit industry in the state.
Advertisement 'The department provides us with programmes that we then share with our members, who also act as mentors to smallholder farmers in their respective localities. 'That is how we expand agricultural programmes and push further initiatives such as Malaysia Good Agriculture Practices (MyGAP) ' he said. Duane said farmers are aiming to produce fruit year-round to prevent seasonal interruptions like those experienced with durian due to extreme weather changes. 'Durian season should ideally begin towards the end of the year. 'To address these challenges, we have studied how farmers in places like Thailand deal with similar issues. 'We then bring that technology back here to trial it, with the goal of eventually achieving at least two strong durian seasons per year,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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