Heatwave killing orchard yields, say farmers

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 7 Mar 2019 3:38PM · 3 Comments

Fruit yields are dwindling from the heatwave's effect on orchards in Jitra, Kedah. – AFP pic, March 7, 2019.

OWNERS of fruit orchards in Jitra, Kedah are beginning to feel the heat as the current hot weather has left most of their crops dry and withered, if not dead.

Bai Haki Saad, 48, the owner of an orchard in Kampung Padang Panjang, said he had spent almost RM5,000 to buy a water pump to irrigate all the trees during the hot weather.

“Orchard owners like me often have to spend more time tending to our crops and spending more money to care for our trees. The durian tree we just planted has also died.

“Even now, other trees, like the rambutans and dokongs, have withered and died due to the extreme heat and humidity,” he told reporters today.

Bai Haki said he has to water his plants more frequently in the mornings and evenings to ensure they receive enough water.

Another orchard owner in Kg Biak, Amran Ismail, 40, said a similar incident occurred five years ago and some of the trees in his orchard died due to the heatwave, affecting his income.

Amran said he had to pump water from nearby drains to irrigate his seven-hectare durian plantation daily.

“I am also using a water pump this time. If not, there will not be enough water and the trees will die like in the past,” he said.

Kedah Agriculture Department director Eliyas Saad said they would monitor the orchards and plantations daily and recommended that farmers heap leaves near tree trunks and water them.

“These leaves will dampen the areas near the trees, but I wish to advise them to water their trees only early in the morning and late in the evening.

“Orchard owners can also buy a type of silicone gel from shops selling agricultural products which holds and releases water slowly so the tree roots can absorb water over an extended period,” he said. – Bernama, March 7, 2019.

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Comments

  • This is nature taking its revenge on thise who ignore its laws. Replant canopy trees to provide shade and draw up groundwater. Preserve water on your land. If your trees are dying you are not doing the job of caring for them properly. Learn new methods and apply

    Posted 5 years ago by Malaysia New hope · Reply

  • This is nature taking its revenge on thise who ignore its laws. Replant canopy trees to provide shade and draw up groundwater. Preserve water on your land. If your trees are dying you are not doing the job of caring for them properly. Learn new methods and apply

    Posted 5 years ago by Malaysia New hope · Reply

  • This is nature taking its revenge on thise who ignore its laws. Replant canopy trees to provide shade and draw up groundwater. Preserve water on your land. If your trees are dying you are not doing the job of caring for them properly. Learn new methods and apply

    Posted 5 years ago by Malaysia New hope · Reply