KUCHING: The state government has set a target of 20,000 hectares of pineapple plantation area statewide by the end of 2030.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stated that pineapple has been selected as one of the primary crops with great potential and the ability to generate high returns. The aim is to develop the pineapple industry to position Sarawak as a major producer and exporter of agro-food products by 2030.
“To achieve this, the Sarawak Government has set a target of 20,000 hectares of pineapple plantation area by the end of 2030. This will result in pineapple production to cater to various segments, including fresh consumption and the production of downstream pineapple-based products targeted for export.
“This aligns with Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS), which identifies the commercial agriculture sector as one of the six growth drivers,” he said.
The statement was delivered by Deputy Minister for Food Industry, Commodities, and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail on behalf of Abang Johari during the officiating ceremony of the Sarawak Pineapple Industry Seminar 2023 at UCSI Hotel today.
Abang Johari emphasized that Sarawak possesses specific advantages and potentials suitable for developing a sustainable pineapple industry, including vast land areas and its strategic location, along with the identification of pineapple as a key crop.
“The available land area needs to be cultivated optimally. Additionally, Sarawak’s geographical proximity to China, Korea, and Japan makes it an attractive location for developing agro-food products for export to these countries,” he added.
Therefore, Abang Johari called on all stakeholders in the pineapple industry, including smallholders, planting groups, downstream product operators, and private companies, to continue working closely with the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) for the advancement of the pineapple industry in Sarawak.
“Since LPNM’s establishment in Sarawak in 2010, significant progress has been made. Currently, approximately 3,000 hectares of land in Sarawak have been developed for pineapple cultivation through various programs. This effort has been fruitful and should be continued and intensified with the cooperation and involvement of other relevant agricultural agencies, as it has proven to raise the socio-economic standards of individuals involved in the pineapple industry to RM 5,000 per month.
“By the end of 2025, Sarawak aims to increase the plantation area by 1,200 hectares and raise the income of pineapple farmers to RM 8,000 per month. Moreover, the goal is to increase crop productivity from 40 metric tons to 50 metric tons per hectare,” he said.
LPNM Chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali was also present at the event.
