Local Durian Varieties Outshine Popular Black Thorn

At a recent durian outreach program at Rain Tree Farm, Fahmi Zainol, chairman of Penang’s Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee, highlighted the exceptional taste of unregistered durian kampung. These local varieties, grown from unclassified seeds, are reportedly tastier than the renowned Black Thorn, yet many farmers hesitate to register them despite meeting the minimum requirement of five trees per variety.

Penang's Track and Trace Initiative

Introduced in June, the "Track and Trace" system aims to ensure the authenticity and quality of Penang's durians. Developed with MIMOS, this system uses QR codes to trace durians back to their origin, promoting transparency and trust among consumers. With 40% of farms already onboard, the goal is to reach 75% participation by the next season.

Government Incentives and Future Plans

The Penang government is urging farmers to register for the tracking system, offering incentives like priority for aid and promotional activities. This move not only supports local farmers but also enhances Penang's reputation as a producer of premium durians, including Musang King and Black Thorn, which dominated last year's exports of 67,203 kilograms.