Climate change squeezes Malaysian durian growers as they chase China’s booming market
Summary
Malaysian durian farmers face challenges from climate change and rising costs as they try to meet strong demand from China. Extreme weather and higher prices for fuel and fertilizer make it harder for growers to produce quality fruit and earn a profit.Key Facts
- Malaysian durian growers like Stephen Chow work long hours to harvest fruit popular in China.
- Climate change causes extreme weather like heavy rain and high temperatures, damaging durian trees and reducing yields.
- Flooding in 2021 damaged about 100 of Chow’s trees and his farming equipment.
- Unusual rain during flowering seasons caused pollination problems from 2022 to 2024.
- Afternoon temperatures from February to April reached 33-35°C (91-95°F), affecting fruit quality.
- Farmers use more water and fertilizer to help durians grow in hotter weather.
- Costs for fuel and fertilizer increased due to the Iran war, making farming more expensive.
- Malaysia competes with Thailand and Vietnam in the growing durian export market to China.
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