Latest news with #ProgramHariBertemu
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
LPNM: Sarawak ranks second nationally in pineapple cultivation
Mohd Khairuzamri (left) joins other distinguished guests during a visit to an exhibition booth at the event. – Photo by Chimon Upon KOTA SAMARAHAN (July 24): Sarawak has emerged as the second-largest pineapple-growing state in Malaysia, with a total cultivated area of 2,199.43 hectares as of 2024, according to the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM). LPNM director-general Mohd Khairuzamri M Saleh revealed the data during the official launch of the 'Program Hari Bertemu Pelanggan & Penyampaian Bantuan Insentif Projek LPNM Negeri Sarawak Tahun 2025' at the Sarawak State Farmers' Organisation hall here today. 'Sarawak has now emerged as one of the most progressive states in the development of the national pineapple industry. Based on 2024 data, the Land of the Hornbills ranks second after Johor in terms of pineapple cultivation area nationwide, with a total of 2,199.43 hectares. 'This shows that the target of 20,000 hectares of pineapple cultivation by 2030 is not just a vision, but a movement that is now beginning to bear fruit,' he said. Mohd Khairuzamri said that LPNM remains committed to supporting pineapple growers in the state through a comprehensive assistance package. 'Starting with the provision of planting materials such as MD2, Moris, and SG1, quality agricultural inputs, farm infrastructure, as well as technical services and monitoring, all these are offered as a comprehensive package to support our farmers in Sarawak in achieving a more stable income—reaching RM8,000 per month by 2025—in line with the Sarawak Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030),' he added. More than 200 participants from various backgrounds, including government agency representatives, pineapple entrepreneurs and interested growers, attended the event. 'This Customer Engagement Day is a strategic initiative to strengthen relationships and cooperation among various stakeholders in the pineapple industry — from farm operators, researchers, producers, and processors to exporters — with LPNM as the agency fully responsible for safeguarding the interests of the national pineapple industry. 'More than 200 individuals from diverse backgrounds are present today. This includes representatives from government agencies, pineapple entrepreneurs, and participants interested in tropical fruit cultivation. 'This is clear evidence that Malaysia's pineapple industry is gaining attention and recognition here in Sarawak,' said Mohd Khairuzamri. He added that the programme serves as a platform for exchanging knowledge, ideas, and solutions to current challenges such as food security, market competitiveness, climate change, and technological hurdles. 'Today, LPNM clients have the opportunity to engage directly with our officers, including those from our headquarters as well as the Sarawak state team,' he added. The event also featured the official launch of the e-Pineapple System by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development (M-Ficord) Datu Sirai Daha, who represented Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. 'The strong support from the Sarawak government is greatly appreciated and acts as a catalyst for us to advance the industry further,' said Mohd Khairuzamri. Throughout the day, several activities were held, including a stakeholder engagement session between LPNM and pineapple entrepreneurs, and an exhibition involving various agencies and companies such as Agrobank, Kolej ICATS, ACM Sdn Bhd, Queen Pineapple, Evergreen, and award-winning young entrepreneur Mohd Nasry Mohd Nasir, recipient of the Pro Tani Young Entrepreneur Award during the recent National Pineapple Day celebration. Mohd Khairuzamri expressed appreciation to the Sarawak government and all attendees for their support. 'Thank you for being part of this event. Stay with LPNM as we work together to build a brighter future for the pineapple industry in Sarawak,' he said.
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak leads digital transformation with e-Pineapple system
Sirai officiates the launch of the e-Pineapple System at the event on behalf of Dr Rundi, witnessed by other distinguished guests. – Photo by Chimon Upon KOTA SAMARAHAN (July 24): Sarawak has become the first state in Malaysia to pioneer the implementation of the e-Pineapple system, marking a significant milestone in the digital transformation of the national pineapple industry. Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the launch of the e-Pineapple system demonstrates Sarawak's readiness to embrace digitalisation in agrofood. 'Today also marks a significant milestone with the launch of the e-Pineapple System, with Sarawak becoming the first state to pioneer its implementation. 'This proves that Sarawak is ready to face the challenges of digital transformation in the agri-food sector, in line with the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy agenda,' he said in his speech at the Program Hari Bertemu Pelanggan & Penyampaian Bantuan Insentif Projek of the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) Sarawak 2025, held at the State Farmers' Organisation hall here today. Dr Rundi's speech was delivered by his ministry's permanent secretary Datu Sirai Daha. According to Dr Rundi, the e-Pineapple system will significantly improve project administration, streamline data collection on farmers and crop production, and enhance transparency and efficiency in project monitoring. 'I believe this system will be a model for other states,' he added. He also noted that the ministry is committed to advancing digitalisation across all aspects of the pineapple industry, including farm management and product processing, through the adoption of big data and analytics. 'With the use of big data and analytics, more accurate and efficient decisions can be made—from farm management to processing. 'Researchers and educators play a major role in supplying the data and knowledge required to ensure every decision is backed by evidence and the latest innovations,' he said. Dr Rundi said Sarawak is set to contribute 20,000 hectares of cultivated land toward the national target of 30,000 hectares under the LPNM by 2030. 'With Malaysia's total pineapple cultivation at 18,135 hectares in 2024, we believe this target is achievable,' he said. He pointed out that the pineapple industry in Sarawak is growing rapidly and is no longer a secondary crop but an emerging driver of the state's agricultural economy. 'Sarawak is not only rich in fertile land but also possesses extraordinary potential in high-value agriculture, such as pineapples. 'Through strategic collaboration between LPNM and the state government, we have seen various key initiatives implemented, including the Crop Incentive Programme, Farm Infrastructure Development, and Pineapple Waste Studies for bioeconomy purposes. This is in line with the government's direction in advancing modern, smart, and sustainable agriculture,' he said. Dr Rundi revealed that over RM23 million has been allocated by LPNM this year to support pineapple-related development in Sarawak. 'This is a major commitment that should be fully utilised by the people of Sarawak, especially young farmers who want to pursue agriculture as their primary career,' he said. Among the support provided are drainage systems for improved water control, fencing for farm security, farm road construction to ease transport, and temporary storage facilities to maintain fruit quality. In areas where needed, micro-irrigation systems are also provided. 'In line with modern agriculture, LPNM has introduced the installation of solar lights under the Night Farming Programme to help maximise productivity and improve operations for pineapple farmers in Sarawak,' he added. He also revealed that efforts are underway to establish a pineapple processing plant in Miri. 'This factory will not only serve as a catalyst for transforming the pineapple industry landscape in Sarawak, but it will also complete the industry ecosystem by providing market assurance to producers. 'This is a symbol of our commitment to building a pineapple industry in Sarawak that is not only more modern and competitive, but also brings comprehensive benefits to the people and the state,' he added. Also present at the event were LPNM director-general Mohd Khairuzamri M. Saleh, Beting Maro assemblyman Razali Gapor, Samarahan Division Resident Mohamad Irwan Bahari Bujang, and LPNM Sarawak director Mohd Nazaiful Azdi Rahman.
