RANAU: The Ranau Durian Growers Association fully support the establishment of the Sabah Durian Board, especially the decision not to impose any cess on durian growers in the state.
Ranau Sabah Durian Growers Association President Datuk Japiril Suhaimin said the move announced by the Sabah Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, was timely.
“The absence of cess payments provides great relief to growers and opens up space for them to focus on improving the quality of produce, more efficient plantation management and exploring new markets,” he said.
The association also hoped the Board would play a key role in coordinating industry development, covering aspects of research, marketing, quality certification and technical support.
“This effort is seen as important in increasing commercial value and strengthening the Sabah durian brand at the national and international levels,” he said.
“He (Jamawi) also conveyed support in the form of allocations to upgrade 500 village durian trees to premium durian—a strategic initiative that is believed to be able to significantly increase the value of local produce.
“The association expressed its full commitment to cooperate in making the Durian kampung to Premium Durian campaign a success, and hoped that the government would continue to involve industry players at the grassroots level in policy planning and implementation.
“The Ranau Durian Growers Association is also ready to provide constructive views and input to ensure that the establishment of the Sabah Durian Board truly becomes a catalyst for the progress of the state’s durian industry as a whole,” he said.
Earlier, Jamawi said he is confident that the establishment of the special board will help plan and strengthen the durian industry, especially in increasing the production of premium durian in Sabah.
