The marketing channel of two underutilized fruit species of Malaysia: Pulasan [Nephelium ramboutan-ake (Labill.) Leech] and Kuini (Mangifera odorata Griff.)

摘要

Pulasan and kuini are considered underutilized fruit species in Malaysia. Pulasan is a related species of rambutan (N. lappaceum) with fruits having short hairs and dark red skin, and are found mostly in Peninsular Malaysia. Kuini is a related speciesof mango (M. indicd) but has a very strong flavor, hence it is introduced as 'nioi (flavor) mango' in Japan. In 2001, the total area planted to pulasan was 846 ha in Peninsular Malaysia while Johor state has 609 ha, which is approximately 70% of the total area (Salma and Raziah, 2002). The total area cultivated for kuini in 1999 was 706 ha, with growing areas mainly found in the state Pahang, Terrenganu, Johor, and Kedah. Pulasan is grown both in small-scale and commercial farms whereas kuini is mostlycultivated in home gardens. To explore market opportunities and to promote cultivation of the two fruit species to farmers and consumers, an understanding of the marketing channel is necessary. In this preliminary study, production and marketing systemsof pulasan and kuini were investigated in two states of Malaysia, namely Selangor and Johor. This research was carried out in collaboration with IPGRI-APO as part of the Japan-CGIAR Fellowship Program supported by JIRCAS.