SANDAKAN – Sabah has huge potential to develop large-scale pineapple farming due to its vast land and fertile soil, said the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (MPIB) chairman.
Datuk Sahruddin Jamal said following discussions with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Md Noor, and based on his own inspection, the industry has a great shot in the state.
“We (MPIB) have seen a very encouraging response from Sabah, including from the chief minister. So, we will set up the first Pineapple Industry Board in Sabah soonest,” he said after meeting Hajiji, at Sabah Hotel here today.
He said MPIB will help provide premium-grade pineapple Millie Dilarch (MD2) seeds, as well as educate farmers in the state on the right planting methods and latest technology.
“We are still identifying a suitable location for our pioneer project, which will serve as a model for other farmers.
MPIB deputy director (development) Mohd Khairuzambri M. Salleh said Sabah’s potential in the pineapple industry is “limitless”, given its strategic location close to China.
“It will take a week faster for Sabah to export pineapples to China compared with exporting from the peninsula.
“Right now, however, Malaysia has limited pineapple production. It is hardly sufficient for even just domestic consumption.
“If Sabah is able to contribute to production, we may be able to grow this industry and generate income through exports.”
Besides being consumed fresh, he said, pineapples can also be canned, and turned into jam, paste, juice and other products.
“For Sabah, we will focus on producing premium-grade pineapple, or MD2, which has yet to be farmed in the state.”
Hajiji welcomed MPIB’s plan, and said Sabah, with its vast tracts of suitable land, can help expand the industry beyond the current pineapple-growing areas in Penampang, Kiulu and Beaufort districts, among others.
Sabah is among the states where MPIB has yet to have a presence, and he gave an assurance to the industry that the state government will facilitate the board’s extension to benefit the state and its people. – The Vibes, April 9, 2021
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