A total of RM16.32 million has been allocated by agencies in Sarawak and the Federal government to develop 480.3 hectares of pineapple farms, benefiting 517 farmers across the state. Photo illustration, Envato.
KUCHING, May 14: A sum of RM16.32 million has been allocated to develop 480.3 hectares of pineapple farms benefiting 517 farmers in Sarawak.
Sarawak's Minister of Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom, stated that besides efforts to advance pineapple cultivation in Sarawak, a new pineapple variety, Sarawak Gold 1 (SG1), was introduced in Miri last year.
He said this new variety of pineapple is suitable for the export market due to its high plant density, disease resistance, shorter growth period, and longer lifespan.
"At present, 30 hectares of SG1 pineapples are planted, and the government through the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (MPIB) will expand an additional 20 hectares to produce SG1 pineapples by 2025," he said.
He made these remarks in his winding-up speech for his ministry at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly sitting here today.
Expanding further, Stephen Rundi mentioned that to support the cultivation of SG1 pineapples, the Sarawak Farmers Organization (PPNS) has collaborated with a private company to develop 100 acres of land in Tukau, Miri, to produce SG1 pineapple suckers.
"This farm is expected to produce five million pineapple suckers this year worth RM12.5 million.
"This collaboration will also develop 50 acres of land in Kabuloh, Miri, to produce 15 million pineapple suckers worth RM22.5 million by 2025," he said.
He added that MPIB is also actively involved in developing a complete supply chain for the pineapple industry in Sarawak, such as collaborating with I-CATS University College for research and development and a private company to develop 2,200 hectares of land in Tanjung Manis, Mukah Division, to become a commercial pineapple farm. - TVS
