SERIAN, Aug 18: The Tarat Collection, Processing and Packaging Centre (CPPC) is expected to be operational by this November at the height of the durian season.
With this in mind, the Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development is calling on durian farmers around the area to sell their surplus fruits at the centre.
Its Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who visited the CPPC this morning to oversee the last few stages of upgrading works, said it was vital for the centre to have internationally standardised processing facilities and earn the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification which would allow the state to export durian paste directly to China.
According to a statement from the ministry, Uggah who is also deputy chief minister, said Sarawak is targeting to sell 200 tonnes of durian paste to China in the coming season.
He said to date, Sarawak has sold 100 tonnes of durian paste to China, adding that the Chinese market demand has been increasing.
Accompanying Uggah on his visit were Agriculture Department director Dr Alvin Chai and his deputy Ngap Dollah. — DayakDaily
