RM500 To Global Market: Machang Fig Farmer's Sweet Success

MACHANG, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- Starting with just five fig saplings and a modest capital of around RM500, Nur Taufiq Yusuf, 35, can now smile with pride as he gazes upon rows of fruit-laden fig trees that have not only captivated local customers but also attracted international buyers.

For the Graphic Design graduate from Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan, Johor, each fig from the Masui Dauphine (MDA) and Constantine De Algerie (CDA) varieties symbolises not just an agricultural product, but the courage and determination to step out of his comfort zone.

“I used to grow grapes, but after seeing positive results, I was determined to try figs. The demand is high, and the price is premium. I never imagined my first attempt with just five saplings would yield such results,” he told Bernama recently at his Vineyard and Fig Orchard in Kampung Batu 31, here.

More than two years on, Nur Taufiq now has nearly 400 fig trees, and the fruits are gaining increasing attention—not only from local buyers but also from customers in Japan, Canada, Saudi Arabia, England and Singapore.

“The CDA figs are larger, with yellow skin and a distinct sweetness, which is why customers call them ‘heavenly fruit’,” he said.

According to him, the CDA variety is more challenging to maintain compared to the MDA, and the price differs significantly—CDA can fetch up to RM100 per kilogramme, while MDA is around RM60 per kilogramme.

Each fig weighs between 80 to 120 grammes. Beyond their visual appeal, the fruit is rich in antioxidants, vitamin A, calcium, iron, potassium and fibre, making it highly sought after by those pursuing a healthy lifestyle.

Uniquely, visitors to his orchard don’t just buy the figs—they get to experience picking the fruit fresh from the tree.

“Each day, these trees can yield up to 30 kilogrammes of figs. But I limit sales to two packs per person, each pack weighing around 280 to 300 grammes, sold at RM20,” he said.

Apart from fresh fruit, Nur Taufiq creatively diversifies his offerings: fresh fig juice sold at RM10 per bottle, and fig saplings priced between RM50 and RM80 each.

“Next, I plan to plant another 500 saplings to meet growing demand. I also aim to produce fig jam to expand downstream product choices,” he said.

Malaysia’s hot weather throughout most of the year seems to be just right for fig cultivation.

“Figs love the heat and can’t tolerate prolonged rain. So I grow them in a greenhouse that cost RM100,000, and thankfully I received a RM60,000 grant from RISDA,” he said.

The outcome? A monthly income of around RM15,000—but for Nur Taufiq, the real satisfaction lies in seeing his initial five trees turn into a fruitful livelihood, capturing the interest of both local and international customers.

-- BERNAMA