Latest news with #ArthurJosephKurup
The Sun
6 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Pineapple farmers' losses drop to RM1.02 mln in 2023
JOHOR BAHRU: Pineapple farmers nationwide saw their losses due to unpredictable weather and natural disasters decrease significantly from RM7 million in 2021 to RM1.02 million last year. Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup credited the improvement to research, infrastructure upgrades, and innovations by the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM). 'For example, in 2021, the recorded losses amounted to RM7 million, which then dropped to RM2 million in 2022, RM1.8 million in 2023 and RM1.02 million last year,' he said during a press conference after launching the 2025 International Pineapple Industry Seminar. Arthur highlighted that resilient pineapple varieties and improved data collection have enhanced cultivation efficiency. He urged LPNM to stay proactive in adopting new strategies to tackle natural disaster challenges, ensuring stable farmer incomes and consistent pineapple supply. Key measures include early prevention, efficient irrigation, digital technology, IoT, drones, and solar energy. The seminar, co-organised by LPNM, the Agriculture Ministry, and UPM Alumni Association, drew 400 participants, including industry stakeholders and farm operators.
Barnama
6 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
Losses Incurred By Pineapple Farmers Dropped To RM1.02 Mln Last Year
JOHOR BAHRU, June 28 (Bernama) -- Losses incurred by pineapple farmers nationwide due to unpredictable weather and natural disasters dropped significantly from RM7 million in 2021 to RM1.02 million last year. Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said the decline was partly attributed to research outcomes, infrastructure development and innovations by the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM). 'For example, in 2021, the recorded losses amounted to RM7 million, which then dropped to RM2 million in 2022, RM1.8 million in 2023 and RM1.02 million last year,' he told a press conference after launching the 2025 International Pineapple Industry Seminar here today.
The Star
12 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Pineapples go from field to fortune
Fruitful industry: Mohamad (left), Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup (right) and Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali (second from right) looking at bags made from pineapple threads. — THOMAS YONG/The Star JOHOR BARU: Malaysia's pineapple industry has grown into a billion-ringgit venture, with farmers earning up to RM9,000 a month, marking a major milestone in the country's agri-food success story. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the nation recorded RM1.3bil in pineapple output value in 2024, a 34% increase from the previous year. He added that the country's pineapple production volume rose 17% to 520,000 metric tonnes, cultivated across 13,000ha of productive farmland. 'This shows that pineapples are not just a fruit we enjoy, but a true engine of rural economic development,' he said at the inaugural Malaysian Pineapple Day celebration yesterday. Mohamad said Malaysia now has over 8,000 pineapple growers and more than 300 companies involved in the sector. The self-sufficiency level for pineapples has reached 103%, enabling Malaysia to meet domestic demand and expand its export potential. He highlighted the case of a Johor farmer who doubled his income from RM180,000 to RM350,000 annually by making use of drone technology. In Pahang, the Hijrah Asnaf Pineapple Farming programme has helped 18 participants, mainly from underprivileged groups, earn monthly incomes of up to RM5,000 after just a few months of cultivation. 'The Federal Government has allocated RM75mil for pineapple development in Sarawak under the 12th Malaysia Plan.' Mohamad praised Sarawak's innovation in using pineapple waste as livestock feed and the launch of the new Sarawak Gold variety as an alternative to the MD2 premium hybrid. Mohamad said in Kedah, artificial intelligence and satellite imaging are being used to monitor crops, boosting yield by 30% while reducing operational costs by 40%. He said these technological advances are helping Malaysia prepare to meet growing demand from foreign markets such as China and Singapore. Mohamad said Johor remains the top pineapple-producing state in the country, contributing 68% of total cultivated land.
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
48 weekly markets upgraded in Sabah to boost rural economy, food security
Arthur (second from left) after officiating the Pasar Tamu at Rancangan Belia Tiulon in Sook. SOOK (June 22): A total of 48 pasar tamu (weekly markets) across Sabah have been successfully upgraded or newly constructed under a Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) initiative, aimed at strengthening rural economic activity and supporting the National Food Security Policy. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup, said the projects — funded with an allocation of RM15.6 million from the Federal Government — are now fully completed. Speaking to the media after officiating the upgraded Pasar Tamu at Rancangan Belia Tiulon in Sook, Arthur noted the transformation these projects brought to rural trading facilities. 'Previously, traders here used only wooden tables and canvas sheets to shield themselves from the sun and rain. With the upgraded infrastructure, I see great potential for further development,' he said. The Pasar Tamu at Rancangan Belia Sook, established in 2021 with just eight traders, has since expanded to include 40 regular vendors. The market upgrade, which began on 25 September 2024, was completed on 2 April 2025. Arthur, who is also the Member of Parliament for Pensiangan, said the upgrades reflect the government's commitment to empowering rural agro-entrepreneurs by providing more comfortable and conducive business environments. 'These projects were carried out in phases, prioritising markets most in need of repair or those no longer suitable for use. The upgraded markets are expected to boost the competitiveness of local agricultural products and spur local economic activity,' he said. The officiating event drew participation from the local community, including village leaders, government officials, and agro-based entrepreneurs. Also present were FAMA Director-General Abdul Rashid Bahri, FAMA Sabah and Labuan director Sarman Sidno and FAMA Market Institution Division director Mohd Shahrizan Mansor. With the upgraded facilities, the pasar tamu now offers a more systematic and appealing space for local entrepreneurs while serving as a weekly economic and social hub. It is hoped that the initiative will not only foster entrepreneurship but also preserve the traditional market culture that defines Sabah's rural communities.
The Star
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Govt sets aside RM7mil for rice irrigation during drought
BAGAN SERAI: The government has allocated RM7mil for infrastructure upgrades to minimise the impact of drought on key rice production areas, according to Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup. The Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister said the focus will be on irrigation systems, the primary water source for crops. 'It is mainly done to ensure that the water channels are functioning and can deliver water to padi plots, even if the water volume is slightly lower than usual. 'This is also one of our ways to minimise the potential negative effects on farmers' income, especially during the drought season,' he said after launching the 2025 Perak state-level Agricultural Machinery and Equipment handover ceremony at Dewan Dato' Zainal Abidin Zin here yesterday, Bernama reported. On Monday, the Meteorological Department said six areas in Peninsular Malaysia would be at Level 1 status for three days due to the ongoing hot weather. The affected areas include Larut and Matang, Kuala Kangsar, Perak Tengah in Perak; Machang and Kuala Krai in Kelantan; and Bandar Baharu in Kedah. In a separate matter, Arthur said that his ministry will strengthen collaboration with relevant enforcement agencies to curb cattle smuggling activities from Thailand, which are believed to threaten the country's food security. He said enforcement actions against individuals involved in unethical activities are under the jurisdiction of the respective state governments. 'Therefore, a comprehensive engagement session between the state and federal governments is essential to harmonise laws and prevent conflicts, which could undermine the nation's food biosecurity,' Arthur said.
