MIRI, July 13: A durian fest featuring the various native species has been proposed at the Kabuloh Agriculture Station in Bekenu, near here, at a date to be fixed later this year.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, when visiting the agriculture station, said this was to allow the people to know and to taste the various durian species.
“We will be inviting durian growers in the division to participate. They can bring those varieties, which are unique to the state, so that they could be identified.
“There is always the possibility that we can develop them into special products for overseas markets.
“We will also invite those exporting durian paste to China to interact with the growers, to know these varieties and where are the main suppliers here,” he continued.
Uggah, who is also Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Minister, said the Kabuloh station has about 600 matured durian trees and were expected to bear fruits this year.
On another matter, he revealed that the proposed durian collecting centre at Long Lama would be constructed.
“The fund is already with the Public Works Department. We are waiting for them to begin its construction. I hope it could be done as soon as possible for it to be used in the next durian season,” he said.
Uggah added that it was the government’s plan to turn Kabuloh into an agriculture research station for the state northern region.
He said the northern region has many different soil types, as well as crops and fruits that seems to grow comparatively very well on them.
“We want do the research within its developed area. The objectives are to increase productivity, improved the quality, producing excellent planting materials and to find out the best crops and fruit trees maintenance methods,” he continued.
In this regard Uggah said it is very important that the station itself was properly maintained by those concerned.
The ministry’s acting permanent secretary Awang Johari Awang Mustapha was among those accompanying Uggah on the visit. — DayakDaily
