Dry spell causes drop in fruit production

PETALING JAYA: THE two-month dry spell has caused a 60% drop in fruit production in the peninsula, leaving many growers high and dry.
Malaysian Fruit Farmers Association president Han Xuexi said the worst drought in years has affected fruit farmers in Johor, Negri Sembilan, Perak, Selangor, Pahang and Perlis, Sin Chew Daily reported today.
He said 70% of the rivers in the affected states are at critically low levels or drying up.
The hardest hit crops include guavas, limau kasturi (small lime), papayas, bananas and other fruit trees with shallow root systems, he said, adding that 50-60% of these fruit trees have either died or are withering.
Even trees with deep root systems such as durian, rambutan, mangosteen and jackfruit trees are affected and some 30-60% of them have either withered or are unable to bear fruits, he said.
"Some watermelon and honeydew growers whose crops have perished in the drought have decided to wait out the dry spell instead of replanting," said Han.
He said if the dry spell continues for another month or two, the production of local fruits will drop further. The prolonged drought, and the worsening pest problem associated with the adverse weather, is also affecting the quality of local fruits, he added.
He said the 10-20% increase in the prices of local fruits amid one of the worst crises facing farmers is no consolation at all as they cannot even recoup their capital.
Nevertheless, he hoped that the prices would go up by another 20-50% in the near future to reduce the losses faced by growers.
He also hoped the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry will lend fruit farmers a hand at this trying time.