Advansia held the 3-day “Durian Cultivation Technology Seminar and Exchange 2024” in Batu Caves, Selangor, in late September. Experts from China, Taiwan, Thailand, and Malaysia were invited to share their knowledge and experience with around 200 durian growers at the event, while also introducing the myGAP programme to help Malaysian durian gain stronger recognition in overseas markets.

International Standards, Local Prices

When welcoming guests at the opening ceremony, Advansia Executive Director Dato’ Lam Ching Hee said that Advansia is a major company committed to providing legal agricultural products such as pesticides, seeds, biostimulants, foliar fertilisers, water-soluble fertilisers, vegetables, and seeds through its AICS certification, helping farmers reduce planting costs while improving yield and profits.

He emphasised that the company’s slogan is “international standards, local prices”. Beyond taking root in Malaysia, Advansia also shares the same philosophy with businesses in Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, working together to promote agricultural development.

He also pointed out that durian is not only a crop, but an industry with high value. In order to keep improving, the company specially organised this seminar and exchange session, inviting overseas and local experts to interact and share agricultural management techniques, pest and disease control, agricultural standards, as well as experience and insights on improving orchard productivity and supplying the overseas export market.

Musang King Benefits from Market Demand

During the opening speech, Liu Yishan stated that when it comes to the Musang King durian variety, the phrase “Musang King” is already well known in China. It has even become a top-tier durian variety in the minds of many people. This taste is unique to Malaysia, and it cannot be found in Indonesia or Thailand. Therefore, durian growers should cherish the opportunity brought by the Chinese market, as this is a market that cannot be easily replaced.

He added that durian industry players must actively cooperate with government strategies to ensure production and export quality.

He further said that China’s technology and learning ability are admired around the world, and that Chinese growers may be able to produce better-quality durians quickly. Therefore, Malaysian growers must continue improving standards to maintain the superiority of local products.

Developing Higher-Value Durian Products

Liu Yishan pointed out that the government cannot act alone, and enterprises must also work together. He suggested that industry players should not rely only on the Chinese market. Even though China is currently the largest export market, Malaysia should also strengthen its foundation in order to remain competitive in the global market.

He also encouraged industry players to develop higher-value durian products, such as frozen durian flesh, durian-related products, and durian fertilisers. He used durian oil as an example, saying that from branch to root, every part can be explored to create additional value.

He emphasised that the goal is not only to sell durians, but also to develop various value-added products and improve overall competitiveness.

Sharing Professional Knowledge with Participants

During the 3-day seminar, six invited speakers shared their knowledge and insights with participants. The topics included durian pest and disease technical sharing, durian cultivation from sapling care to fruiting, the future outlook of Malaysian durian supply, improvement of durian orchard management and fruit quality, durian fertilisation and management practices, post-harvest technology and post-harvest handling, durian pest and disease solutions, prevention and control solutions for durian stem canker, Malaysia durian export procedures to China and Hong Kong, the ecology, control and resistance management of durian thrips, and the importance of Malaysia’s durian export to China and myGAP.

On the final day, the organiser also invited participating farmers to share their personal experiences and exchange knowledge. The event included group photos, lucky draws, product promotions, and other related activities, bringing the seminar to a lively and fruitful conclusion.