Govt backs Julau’s push to become Lada Putih Krim hub with new initiatives

JULAU: In an effort to establish Julau as a hub for Lada Putih Krim production, the government has taken several measures, including the development of a Pepper Fertigation Study Plot and the construction of multiple farm roads.
Vincent Sawat, director-general of the Malaysian Pepper Board (MPB), stated that 19.2 hectares have been developed as a Lada Putih Krim production hub in Julau, involving 89 growers.
“As part of the support, one of the key projects implemented in the Julau Parliament, particularly in the Meluan state assembly, is the construction of seven farm roads, with an estimated cost of RM2.95 million.
“This year, MPB also rolled out the Malaysian Pepper Traceability Profiling System Development Programme, which tracks the origin of pepper cultivation by region or area.
“For Julau, the target number of farmers involved in this project is 17, with a goal of collecting 20 samples.
“In addition, MPB’s research and development team has established four Pepper Fertigation Study Plots in the Julau area aimed at improving planting efficiency and nutrient management for pepper plants.”
Vincent made these remarks at the 2024 Pepper Industry Entrepreneur Empowerment Seminar (Julau), which was officiated by Meluan assemblyman Rolland Duat Jubin yesterday.
He also boted that entrepreneurs, including those involved in micro, small, and medium enterprises (PMKS), are not being overlooked.
“MPB has guided 59 companies in developing their pepper downstream product businesses.
“Additionally, 66 individuals have been trained as pepper traders and cutting entrepreneurs.
“For the record, most pepper entrepreneurs actively involved in buying and selling pepper or pepper cuttings are from the Sarikei Division, Julau, and Pakan Districts.
“To date, three pepper traders and 12 pepper cutting entrepreneurs have emerged from this area.”
Vincent added that despite the challenges faced, various initiatives under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12) had strengthened the pepper sector.
“During RMK-12, under the Pepper Industry Upstream Development Programme (PHIL), a total of 14,639 eligible pepper growers across Malaysia have benefitted from the New Pepper Plant Scheme (STLB) and the Ripe Pepper Plant Scheme (STLM), with a total value of RM41.07 million.”