GEDONG: A high-impact coconut planting project covering 132 hectares in Gedong is expected to be a major catalyst for the development of the agricultural sector and increase the income of rural communities in the area.
The project, which involves the participation of 34 participants, is among the strategic initiatives under the Samarahan Regional Integrated Development Agency (IRSDA) to strengthen the local economy through large-scale and sustainable agriculture.
Batang Sadong Member of Parliament and IRSDA Agricultural Development Subcommittee Chairman, Rodiyah Sapiee, said the project not only provides economic returns to participants, but also contributes to food security and long-term rural development.
He said this when inspecting the new coconut plantation development project in Lubok Teranggas Block B, Gedong on Tuesday.
According to him, Malayan Tall coconut plantations were chosen as the main crop and in the first year of implementation, 16,236 coconut trees were planted with a density of 123 trees per hectare.
“For the first year, the planting cost amounted to RM983,822.40 using federal funds, while the maintenance cost for the second year was estimated at RM462,000 and is scheduled to be fully completed in 2025,” he said.
In addition to planting, the project also includes basic infrastructure development worth RM3.27 million through IRSDA allocations which were fully completed in 2024.
Rodiyah stressed that the success of the project depends heavily on close and continuous monitoring, especially in terms of maintenance.
In this regard, he hoped that the Malaysian Department of Agriculture could increase the frequency of monitoring to ensure lush plant growth and optimal yield in the future.
“The large investments that have been channeled need to be managed effectively so that they provide lucrative returns, thus providing long-term benefits to participants and boosting rural economic development,” he said.
Also present during the visit were the Samarahan Division Agriculture Officer, Hamzah Abu Bakar and the Town and Country Planning Officer, Samarahan Division Land and Survey Department, Abang Ahmad Azlan Abang Ariffin.
