Longan has potential for commercial cultivation in Kedah

Longan cultivation like what Azmi Morad, 54, has done in Kampung Berapit, Tikam Batu, can be comercialised done and extended to other areas in Kedah. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Datuk Mohd Johari Baharum said this is because longan suits the Kedah weather and soil although it is mostly grown in temperate countries. "The trees bear fruits after two and a half years and the fruits are of better quality and more durable than rambutan. The diamond type is sweet, delicious and bigger in size. "I understand that some Chinese businessmen had successfully cultivated longan. I will hold talks with relevant parties to produce diamond seedlings for commercialisation," he told reporters after a visit to a longan orchard in Tikam Batu,near here Thursday. Mohd Johari said the ministry will study the types of assistance that can be channeled to Azmi to help improve the quality of his longan. "I was told that Azmi's income has reached RM6,000 from 15 trees and is expected to increase up to RM8,000. He also has about 200 more trees cultivated in padi fields. "We will discuss with the Agriculture Department and Mada (Muda Agriculture Development Authority) to help Azmi by providing better seedlings and fertilisers. "Mardi (Agricultural Research Institute of Malaysia) will also be roped in to help," he added. Meanwhile, Azmi said he is grateful and happy that his efforts in growing longan with his son Uzair, 23, has received the attention of the Agriculture Ministry. "I intend to commercialise the cultivation of longan and is prepared to cooperate and supply seedlings. "I have been selling longan seedlings to interested buyers but on a limited scale as I did not expect the demand to be so high," he added.