Felcra plans food crop cultivation project in Banggi

Kota Kinabalu: Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Felcra) Bhd, together with the State Government and Sabah Rubber Industry Board (SRIB), plan to carry out a food crop cultivation project through commercial plantations in Pulau Banggi, said Felcra Bhd Chief Executive Officer Datuk Zulkarnain Md Eusope.He said in line with the national food security policy and to reduce import, they are planning to plant coconuts, pineapples and bananas commercially which at the same time will help develop the island.

"Malaysia currently imports coconuts from other countries due to shortage of local supply.

Hence, we are planning to plant coconuts of the 'pandan' and 'matag' variety, in addition to pineapples and bananas.

"Besides ensuring food security, this project will also give the surrounding community the opportunity to increase their earnings, in addition to assisting in the development of Pulau Banggi," he said at a press conference here, Monday.

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He said in the first phase of their plan to develop the island, they had previously set up agropolitan rubber plantations there in 2004.

"The second phase of the plan will involve planting of the three type of fruits, with an allocation of RM10 million for next year and an overall RM50 million in a span of three to five years," he added.

He said the planting of the fruits will be done in phases, with the first involving 500 hectares for coconut and 20 to 50 hectares for bananas.

Zulkarnain said after researching the island in various aspects such as soil, location and weather, it was deemed suitable for coconut plantation.

He added Felcra's research and development team will be producing the coconut seeds.

Zulkarnain said Felcra is also looking to expand the project further to all parts of the country, particularly in the production of corn for livestock food.

He said besides coconut, the country also imports corn for livestock food.

"Recently, we received a courtesy visit by the Indonesian Agriculture Minister who said just five years ago, Indonesia used to import corn for livestock food.

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"However, starting this year, Indonesia has become one of the exporting countries for corn as livestock food after the development of their lands.

"Following their success, we are currently searching for suitable areas for corn planting in each state, if possible," he said. - Jegathisan Sivanesan

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