Parigi Moutong Urged to Become World's Leading Durian Producer; Government Prepares Land Expansion Strategy

Central Sulawesi Governor Anwar Hafid has urged Parigi Moutong district to become the world’s largest durian production centre. To realise this ambition, the government is preparing a strategy for phased and systematic land expansion.

According to Anwar, the durian potential in Parigi Moutong can compete with durian-producing countries in Southeast Asia, including Laos. “Each district can cultivate 1,000 hectares of durian, whilst Parigi Moutong could reach 5,000 hectares,” he said in Palu on Sunday (1 March).

Anwar added that with maximum development, the total durian cultivation area in Central Sulawesi could exceed tens of thousands of hectares, positioning the province as a major competitor at the regional level.

The statement was made following the first export shipment of 27 tonnes of frozen durian from Central Sulawesi to China. Anwar called on the Parigi Moutong regent to make the district an export-oriented durian production centre.

Anwar compared durian to “thorny gold” because of its high economic value and sustainability compared to mining, which will eventually be depleted. “The export of frozen durian to China is a strong signal that Central Sulawesi’s horticulture has global competitiveness,” he asserted.

Through this initiative, Central Sulawesi hopes to strengthen the position of horticulture commodities in the international market whilst creating new economic opportunities for local communities.