MELAKA: Melaka is targeting access to emerging markets in the rock melon (cantaloupe) industry as part of its strategy to cultivate and expand its export share, says Datuk Seri Ab Rauf.
The Melaka Chief Minister said a special training programme ‘Melon to Million’ has been launched to achieve desirable results as well as to provide the locals with an opportunity to get actively involved in the agriculture sector.
"This new initiative will also create business and job opportunities for the locals.
"The state government is inviting the B40 group, recent school leavers, holders of skill certificates and those seeking employment to participate in this training programme," he said on Thursday (Sept 12).
Ab Rauf noted that the initiative also aims to further enhance the skills of new operators in farm management, particularly in the cultivation of rock melon and marketing strategy.
He said KMK Agro Global Sdn Bhd and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) have been entrusted with managing this programme.
Ab Rauf said that the effort will add value for new rock melon farmers by awarding them a professional certificate from an accredited body.
"This programme also received support from the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and other related stakeholders," he added.
It was earlier reported that the state government will collaborate with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) to train 100 locals in the rock melon industry.
The training will be conducted in collaboration with rock melon entrepreneurs from Selangor and from the 100 participants, the best 10 will be selected to become contract farmers to cultivate the fruit expansively.
