JOHOR BAHRU: The Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) aims to attract more companies to go into pineapple cultivation in the country.
Its Director-General, Ruhaida Mashhor said it was also part of the board’s focus under the 12th Malaysia Plan to encourage more private sector involvement in the booming pineapple industry.
She said if companies are willing to invest in pineapple plantations, the board will assist them by providing technical advice such as planting method.
“This will stimulate an economic cycle... when an area is developed, it will generate jobs in the surrounding areas,” she told Bernama in an interview, recently.
Among companies that are keen to explore the potential of the pineapple cultivation are Naza Plantation Services Sdn Bhd and a subsidiary of Jakel Trading & Jakel Trading Sdn Bhd.
Ruhaida said large companies looking to penetrate the overseas markets could focus on different market segments based on demand.
“For overseas markets, we can segment the demand by country. If they want to enter the United Arab Emirates, they can plant N36 type pineapple, while Josa pineapple could be planted for certain countries that want the variety,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ruhaida said pineapple waste could be a potential source of income for smallholders, which could be availed to them through an integration programme.
“When a large company collects waste for their production capacity, surely it (the waste) comes from smallholders. That is why in the programme, we are expanding crop cultivation, as agro-food and livestock industries have many cycles. For example, they can grow pineapple and rear cattle (at the same time),” she said.
One of the integration concepts that have been implemented is “pineapple-fed chicken” which has a food cycle.
“Simultaneously, there are variations in income from pineapple and chicken. Even the chicken is priced differently, as it is a premium product because of low fat content,” Ruhaida said. – Bernama
