Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) (Johor branch) has allocated more than RM700,000 to Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Johor towards kick-starting its pineapple seed cultivation project.
Johor agriculture, agro-based industry and rural development committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip said the allocation was given under the National Economic Recovery Plan (Penjana).
“Johor LPNM received Penjana allocation worth RM9mil from the state government in 2021 and 2022.
“LPNM then started two projects, namely MD2 pineapple expansion project worth RM8mil and MD2 pineapple seed cultivation programme worth RM1mil.
(From left) Zahari, LPNM director-general Mohd Khairuzamri M. Salleh and Assoc Prof Saunah at the UiTM Johor pineapple farm in Segamat.
“The agency then helped UiTM Johor in Segamat run the seed cultivation project by providing aid such as MD2 seeds, fertiliser, harvesting centre, cabin, drainage system, electrical fence, farming mechanisation and a tractor, all worth RM742,751,” he said when contacted.
Zahari added that the project was unique and had the potential for expansion on a larger scale.
The Johor government, he said, planned to utilise unused land in the state, whether owned by the government or privately, for farming purposes to boost agricultural productivity.
He added that they would like to kick-start the initiative by collaborating with LPNM, UiTM Johor branch and Johor Pineapple Entrepreneurs Association (PPNNJ).
“Under this partnership, PPNNJ members will have access to 8ha of UiTM-owned land in Segamat to cultivate MD2 pineapples, supported by guidance from LPNM.”
The project would turn the 8ha land into an MD2 pineapple seed bank, which would help increase pineapple production in the state and increase the farmers’ income, he added.
“If this project proves successful in generating satisfactory yields, we will expand by seeking permission to use other unused lands, such as those owned by educational institutions, police training centres and military camps.”
Zahari said in Segamat alone, there were approximately 80ha of government abandoned land that could not be developed or farmed due to flood risks, adding that studies were underway to determine suitable crops for cultivation in those areas.
UiTM Johor rector Assoc Prof Dr Saunah Zainon said the university hoped the project would benefit the public in line with the institution’s aim of making it more community-centric.
“This is important in our effort to develop our community.
“We hope we can close the gap between the university, government agencies and the community with this project.
“The shared expertise can be used to give back to the people, especially in solving various socio-economic issues,” she said.
