Kaur Optimistic Padang Guci Hulu Will Become a Premium Durian Hub
Bengkulu (ANTARA) - The Regional Secretary of Kaur Regency, Nasrur Rahman, is optimistic that Padang Guci Hulu district has the potential to develop into one of Bengkulu Province’s premium durian hubs, following the successful cultivation of several superior varieties in the area.
“Padang Guci Hulu has enormous potential to become a premium durian centre. We have already proven it through the cultivation of various superior varieties at LY Cawang Farm,” Nasrur said in Kaur on Saturday.
Nasrur said this optimism was based on the results of premium durian cultivation at LY Cawang Farm in the Cawang Kidau plantation area, Manau IX village, Padang Guci Hulu district.
He said the 10-hectare site has been planted with various premium durian varieties, including Musang King, Bawor and Duri Hitam, along with a number of other superior varieties that have now entered their production period.
According to him, two successful harvests demonstrate that the soil and climate conditions in Padang Guci Hulu are highly supportive of premium durian development, provided quality seedlings are used and proper cultivation techniques are applied.
Nasrur believes premium durian is a commodity with promising economic prospects, as market demand continues to rise, and it is hoped that the success of the cultivation can serve as an example for the community to develop superior durian crops.
As part of efforts to encourage the development of the commodity, the Kaur Regency Government, together with relevant parties, is also preparing premium durian seedlings to be distributed to the community.
He is confident that if more farmers cultivate premium durian, within the next few years Padang Guci Hulu could grow into a premium durian production centre capable of meeting market demand in Bengkulu and beyond.
Beyond increasing farmers’ incomes, the development of premium durian is also seen as having the potential to drive the growth of the agrotourism sector. Durian plantation areas are expected to become tourist destinations during harvest season, providing added value for the local economy.
“If this is developed together, I am confident Padang Guci Hulu will become a new icon as a premium durian producer in Bengkulu. The potential is enormous and the benefits will be felt directly by the community,” he said.