THE durian season is almost at an end.

Though it’s an acquired taste, once hooked, it’s difficult to dethrone the king of fruits.

Aficionados agree that Malaysia has some of the best durians in the world. 

While Thailand boasts more durian varieties – 234 compared to our roughly 100 – our more expensive cultivars, such as musang king, D24, and tekka, are more highly sought after thanthe Thai monthong, kanyao, gradumthoong, and chane. Thailand’s most expensive durian, monthong, is costs only half of what the musang king fetches.

Our durian farmers are cultivating new variants. Tupai king and black thorn are the pricier options.

Skyrocketing prices have deterred neither locals nor durian fans from overseas.

This is evident in the influx of tourists, mainly from China, who make the journey south, sometimes exclusively to visit orchards and savour the fruit.

Durian imports by China are at an all-time high – having grown threefold since 2019 – and are poised to rise, driven by increasing demand as the Chinese middle class grow in number and income.

Such is Chinese demand for durian that Hainan Island has earmarked 6,600ha of land for orchards over the next five years. Durian production in China is expected to increase fourfold this year.

Malaysians are already involved in the action. Orchard owners have spread their businesses across the South China Sea, transferring fruits, labour, and expertise through joint ventures and partnerships.

Our government, too, has engaged in talks with farmers to incentivise the production and export of durians.

Meanwhile, countries like Vietnam and Thailand have aggressively promoted the industry.

Thailand has repositioned itself not only as a harvester of the fruit but also as a distribution hub for Vietnam and smaller players such as Cambodia and Myanmar.

The abundance of players and increased local production have made importers more selective. China, for instance, has cut its imports from Thailand and Vietnam, citing quality concerns.

The time is ripe for us to aggressively press our advantage to become the leader of the industry.

Apart from the geographical advantage, we also have a 40-year head start in durian growing and branding, skills that we can market

Our local brands of durian products, including Tan Kim Hock, are already highly recognisable among durian lovers.

To expedite financing and allow Malaysians to participate in this lucrative business, perhaps the government should invest more directly in the sector, allowing Malaysians to participate through shares for good returns.

With the fruit fetching such high prices, it is even feasible for the government to impose levies or taxes to generate revenue.

Farmers of less profitable crops could be offered incentives, such as exemptions, to diversify into durians for side income, which would help offset the need for the government to pay increasing subsidies each year.

Research should also be conducted to produce year-round instead of seasonal yield.

The high amount of combustible materials in durian waste makes it a suitable replacement for charcoal, as part of an alternative biomass industry, thereby reducing the high environmental footprint, which could hinder durian cultivation from becoming a primary agricultural contributor.

To this end, the government should consider establishing a specialised promotion and research agency, separate from the current agency-in-charge Fama, to streamline efforts and spearhead growth in the industry. – August 15, 2024.

* Emmanuel Joseph firmly believes that Klang is the best place on Earth, and that motivated people can do far more good than any leader with motive.