In Malaysia, the Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu has proposed that the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) extend its mandate to oversee the durian sector, following the nation's breakthrough in exporting fresh durians to China. By integrating the management of pineapple, coconut, and durian commodities, LPNM is expected to contribute to reducing the trade balance deficit, leveraging the high demand for these fruits.
Mohamad highlighted the rapid sale of 40 tonnes of Malaysian fresh durians in the Chinese market on October 4 and pointed out the existing gap between the supply and demand of pineapples, with only 800 containers exported annually against a demand for 4,000 containers. The minister also mentioned ongoing discussions with China focused on exporting village durians, aiming to boost the earnings of smallholders.
The collaboration between the Farmers Organisation Authority (LPP), Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), and the Business Development and Investment Division (BDI) of the KPKM is deemed crucial for achieving these objectives. This initiative builds on the success of exporting fresh durians to China, a milestone reached on August 24, two months after the signing of the Protocol on Phytosanitary Requirements for the Export of Fresh Durian from Malaysia to China, marking the culmination of KPKM's eight-year effort since 2016 to expand durian export capabilities beyond frozen durians.
Source: theSun