Only half of Durians this time around...

Thus, more expensive too this year...

NST/AsiaOne: Durian Harvest May Drop

Penang's orchards are experiencing a low durian yield and the state stands to lose about RM20 million a year if the trend continues.

Concern is growing as 1,500 durian planters, who usually generate a combined 14,000 tonnes of durian a season (between June and July) can now only come up with half that amount.

State Agriculture Department director Abdul Nasir Hassan said planters could ideally produce up to six tonnes per hectare, but they were only generating three tonnes per hectare now.

To turn the situation around, Abdul Nasir has proposed that several measures be taken, including replanting by owners, the cleaning up of land after harvesting, and early treatment of disease-infected plants.

Abdul Nasir was speaking after attending a programme on durian disease and pest control at the Balik Pulau Sports Complex near here yesterday. Also present was state Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Committee chairman Law Choo Kiang.

A total of 3,800 hectares of land is being used to grow durians here.

Bernama/FreshPlaza.com: Fruit prices up five per cent in Penang

The prices of fruits, especially durian, have gone up by five per cent in Penang following the recent rise in fuel prices, State Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, Rural Development and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Law Choo Kiang said today.

"Durian growers are facing a high cost of production inputs, such as more expensive fertiliser and equipment, as well as higher transportation costs. The rise in prices cannot be contained as durian is not a controlled item," he told reporters after launching a programme against durian blight and pests at the Balik Pulau Sports Complex here.

However, he said, the higher price of the fruit did not affect sales as demand was still high. Law urged fruit farmers in the state to use the available technology to step up their competitiveness.

State Agriculture Director Abdul Nasir Hassan said the durian harvest for this season was lower than the previous season, around 6,000 tonnes compared to 7,000 tonnes due to climatic conditions.

More durian eating sightings available at ShahsRamblings's blog site.