KUCHING: A special agricultural laboratory for the cultivation of sacha inchi (Plukenetia Volubilis) has been proposed to be established through the Rascom Development Agency (RASDA) soon.
Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk John Sikie Tayai said the special laboratory aims to help the Department of Agriculture and community leaders in learning the techniques of growing sacha inchi, a type of plant that is becoming increasingly popular as a source of oil and protein.
Sikie, who is also Kakus assemblyman said this after chairing a meeting with the Rasda Advisory Council (RAC) and Sacha Inchi Superfood Sdn Bhd at his office, Monday (May 8).
According to him, sacha inchi is a plant that is suitable for people living in rural areas or longhouses to grow as it does not require a lot of labour but has the potential to help increase their income.
“If according to the research that was briefed to me, there is no problem for us to plant this plant like in Peru, the place of origin of this plant considering that our weather here is the same and we also have a station to do research in addition to the fact that some people have tried planting it and everything worked.
“Through the paperwork that was made, one sacha inchi tree can produce 1 kg of fruit every month, and if planted on one acre of land that can accommodate 450 trees, it will definitely generate an income of RM1,800 per month. If the locals here can plant up to four or five acres, their monthly income can reach RM7,000,” he said.
Sacha inchi, a plant which is found in Peru is now widely cultivated in Southeast Asia, especially in Thailand.
The plant is rich in alpha-linoleic acid and linoleic acid and its oil and derivatives are used worldwide for cosmetics, food and medicine
