Alor setar: The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) has launched the 2026 Seasonal Fruit Marketing and Intervention Plan to ensure surplus production during this year's peak season can be marketed in a more organised and efficient manner. Its Kedah director, Shaiful Azhar Zolkipli, stated that the initiative aims to stabilise farmgate prices and increase farmers' income by expanding marketing channels, strengthening purchasing centre operations, and increasing processing activities to absorb excess durian supply throughout the production season.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the peak durian season is expected between June and August 2026. The anticipated surge in supply could potentially pressure prices if proactive intervention measures are not implemented. FAMA's monitoring found that the average farmgate price for kampung durian currently ranges between RM1 and RM4 per kilogramme, depending on location, fruit quality, and supply volume.

To address the situation, Kedah FAMA is implementing three key strategies, namely expanding marketing channels through 10 seasonal fruit sales locations across the state and establishing three Temporary Purchasing Centres (PBS) operated by FAMA alongside entrepreneurs under its guidance. Shaiful Azhar revealed this at the Eat More Local Fruits Campaign programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan Jalan Pegawai today.

Shaiful Azhar noted that FAMA has also activated three Operations Centres in Alor Setar, Sungai Petani, and Langkawi to carry out marketing service interventions to assist farmers in selling their produce. Concurrently, the FAMA Fruit Processing Centre in Sungai Petani is being utilised to produce semi-finished products such as durian paste from surplus supply.

To support nationwide durian supply management, Shaiful Azhar mentioned that FAMA has prepared 142 cold rooms with a total storage capacity of 1,600 metric tonnes to preserve product quality and reduce market pressure during peak production periods. Based on FAMA's projections, 1,000 metric tonnes of seasonal fruits, including durian, valued at RM7 million, are targeted to be purchased through FAMA Operations Centres this year.

So far, 142.7 metric tonnes have been purchased directly with a value of RM1.1 million, while indirect purchases through FAMA marketing entrepreneurs reached 1,099 metric tonnes with a sales value of RM3.28 million. Apart from marketing interventions, Kedah FAMA has also implemented the Eat More Local Fruits Campaign in four schools involving approximately 2,000 students and organised Seasonal Fruit Sales Programmes at six strategic locations, successfully marketing 10 metric tonnes of fruit directly to consumers.

Shaiful Azhar further added that FAMA is developing a simulation of the Grading, Packaging and Labelling (GPL) tracking system to enhance export market readiness while leveraging the Agrofood Supply and Marketing Surveillance and Intervention Portal (SISDA). The portal continuously monitors supply and pricing to ensure the country's durian industry remains sustainable and competitive.