BETONG: Ginger cultivation has a strong potential to generate substantial income for rural communities, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic).
The Deputy Prime Minister said ginger was in demand for the production of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals abroad, adding that discussions with a multinational company revealed a monthly requirement of 10 containers of ginger.
“We currently produce only one or two containers per month, which falls short of demand.
“They require a far larger supply,” he told reporters after attending a gathering with locals at the Enteri Lengkoi longhouse in Samu Ulu Paku, Spaoh near here yesterday, Bernama reported.Earlier, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, urged the people of Betong to aim for 10 containers of ginger per month for export.
He said the Rural and Regional Development Ministry was planning to launch an Integrated Rural Economic Development Project (Prospek) in Betong, focusing on ginger cultivation and free-range chicken farming as primary drivers of local economic growth.
Ahmad Zahid said ginger enjoyed strong demand from China, Europe and the United States for use in cosmetics and pharmaceutical production.
The Prospek initiative in Betong, set to be the first project involving longhouse communities and expected to benefit more than 3,000 people, is scheduled to commence next year, with development continuing until 2029.
