Luohan Guava Farming: A Father's Experiment, A Son's Mission

MELAKA, June 4 (Bernama) -- An agricultural endeavour that started as an experiment has now grown into an eight-acre farm in Melaka, cultivated with the Luohan guava, which is said to be one of the most popular types of guavas among Malaysians.

The crunchy and vitamin C-laden fruits are being cultivated by Chan Teng Chay, 65, and Chan Kian Lee, 38, a father and son team in Setulang Daeng, Bukit Rambai.

According to the older Chan, he started the ‘experiment’ in Batu Pahat in 2000 by planting 100 guava saplings that he brought back from Taiwan.

"I was working in logistics and often brought back various plants, fruits and flowers to Malaysia. So, when I saw guavas called 'Ba Le' in Taiwan being widely grown and sold, I became interested.

"So, I brought back the saplings and tried to plant them in Batu Pahat, Johor. At the same time, we also attempted to plant around 500 trees in Melaka and until now, they are thriving and the quality of the fruit is very good," he told reporters after a visit to the farm.

After discussing with a friend who was involved in the project, he chose to name the guava ‘Luohan’ after the Luohan (flower horn) fish based on the bulge of the fruit that resembles the bulge found on the fish.

Throughout the years, the entrepreneur had managed to plant two more types of guavas namely the seedless crystal guava and the pink guava with about 100 trees each cultivated at the farm.

Asked about fruit production, Chan Kian Lee said they collect about one tonne of guavas each week which could reach up to six tonnes a week during peak season.

"Most importantly, fruit production depends on the weather and the age of the tree. During hot weather, the size of the fruit can reach up to 2.2 kg, but that size is not very popular with buyers.

"So, we will make sure, through a specific packaging process, the guavas are picked when they reach a size between 400g and 600g. For those sizes, we will sell them wholesale at a price of RM6 per kg around Melaka and Kuala Lumpur," he said.

Trained in biotechnology, the younger Chan said Louhan guavas have the potential to be expanded to markets outside Melaka including Singapore, but for now, they are focusing on the local market due to the high demand.

Besides, he said to go all out commercially, they would have to tackle the labour shortage problem first.

"In addition, the guavas need to be processed and shipped as soon as possible as they can go soft quickly.  Since we are still doing R&D to ensure its freshness when exported, we do not want to take the risk of selling to outside markets," he said.

He said they are always finding the best method to balance the use of organic fertilisers and pesticides to ensure the guavas are safe to eat, adding compost made from rice husks and expired milk powder has so far produced fruits that meet the quality and market standards.

"We are also gradually trying to modernise this farm by using scientific planting methods which will help prevent soil damage due to the use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers.

"The irrigation system is also being improved, at the same time we are also leasing abandoned agricultural lands as an effort to increase crop yields and open up job opportunities for local residents who are interested in agriculture," he added.

-- BERNAMA