Standard DKP to help quality durian kampung fetch better prices

Bernama
Jun 26, 2020 17:50 MYT

Agriculture and Food Industry Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Hamzah said the standard will also be a guideline for farmers, sellers and the community to distinguish between high-quality durian kampung and low-grade variants. - Photo Astro AWANI

The Department of Agriculture Malaysia today launched the Premium Standard Durian Kampung (DKP) to enable this variety to be sold at a more reasonable price in the market.

He said the prices of durian kampung were still low compared to other clones of similar quality and were very much subject to market demand.

"With its yellowish and orangy flesh, creamy texture, and buttery but slightly bitter taste, DKP is comparable with other durian varieties such as Udang Merah and 101.

"However, it is still sold cheap and we want DKP to fetch a reasonable price," he told reporters after launching DKP in Chennah here today.

Also present were State Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Action Committee chairman Bakri Sawir and Agriculture Department director-general Mohd Nasir Warris.

Ahmad said 73,740 hectares of land was cultivated with durian trees in 2018 with a production of 341,332 tonnes.

Of the total, 28,021 hectares or 38 per cent was planted with durian kampung, he added.

Besides, Ahmad said DKP is also listed for promotion in other countries such as China and Singapore.

"Last year Malaysia's total durian exports to China and Singapore stood at RM400 million and for this year, there is still demand. For DKP, there are ongoing efforts to promote it," he added.

-- BERNAMA

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