Published on: Tuesday, January 25, 2005 |
Ranau: Cinnamon has been identified as a new income-generating crop that has the potential to be developed in the district following its price increase recently.
Youth and Sports Minister-cum-Karanaan Assemblyman Datuk Masidi Manjun said several entrepreneurs had shown interest in planting the crop and would be meeting with the Agriculture Department on how to go about it.
Speaking when officiating at the Kampung Kaparingan Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) cum Hari Raya celebration, here, Sunday, he said several areas in the district had been identified for the cultivation of the plant.
The nation, he said, is still importing cinnamon from India since not many farmers here are planting the spice.
"But we believe the land in Ranau is suitable to plant cinnamon since Tawau has proven that it can be planted here. It also provides lucrative returns," he said.
Hence, Masidi said there was no reason for farmers in the district to make excuses that cinnamon is unsuitable for cultivation here. They only need to double their effort to make the crop a success, he said.
He said cinnamon could become another alternative for the farmers after coffee and vegetables that could enhance their income.
