BALIK PULAU, March 23 — Weeks of dry, hot weather have pushed durian trees in Penang into early bloom this year, and orchard owners say if conditions stay favourable, the harvest could stretch longer with more competitive prices by mid‑May into June.

Growers across Balik Pulau have reported that about 20 per cent of their trees have started fruiting ahead of the usual schedule, prompting optimism among farmers and traders alike, The Star reported today.