Over 3,000 acres (1,214 hectares) in Sabah, Malaysia, are now planted with high-value fruits, including durian, avocado, and banana, by 170 members of the Sabah Durian and Tropical Fruit Planters Association (MASDA).
At the association's jubilee dinner, Chairman Duane Evans noted the group's progress in areas such as farming practices, production yields, regular training initiatives, collaboration with universities and agencies, and improved access to both domestic and export markets. "We're not just marking an anniversary, we're celebrating the unity, innovation, and perseverance that have brought us here," he said.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Permanent Secretary Datuk Leonard Stephen Poyong reaffirmed the government's commitment to agricultural development through the Sabah Agriculture Master Plan. He highlighted the plan's focus on technology-driven modernisation, higher productivity, stronger public-private collaboration, and greater involvement of youth and skilled farmers.
"We must support farmers in transitioning to modern agriculture, including the use of drones, fertigation systems, digital platforms, and environmentally friendly practices. The government welcomes collaboration with all parties who share our goal of a progressive, sustainable, and competitive agricultural sector for Sabah," said Leonard.
The association's efforts and the government's policy direction indicate an increasing emphasis on technology and export readiness for Sabah's fruit production, particularly in durian, avocado, and banana.
Source: Daily Express