The MD2 pineapple cultivation initiative in Sabah, Malaysia, under the IPR-INTAN program, is projected to produce 5,000 tons, generating an estimated revenue of RM20 million from late October to July 2025. The initiative, overseen by the Sabah Rubber Industry Board (LIGS), commenced in August of the previous year with the preparation of the site, followed by the planting phase in September.
The first phase involved 80.9 hectares and 180 participants in Kampung Gana, Kota Marudu. According to Eswadi Roslan, LIGS deputy general manager, maintenance and additional planting on 80.4 hectares are ongoing to ensure this year's harvest. The program aims to enhance the income of villagers and combat poverty, as stated by Sabah Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
Targeting 1340 rural farmers, the initiative supports cluster farming and has allocated RM11.4 million for its initial phase. A subsequent phase will expand to 121 hectares, benefiting 270 more participants, with a budget of RM16.5 million. Challenges such as site selection, water supply, and pest management are addressed through careful planning and the use of insecticides, fungicides, and fertilizers. LIGS now produces MD2 pineapple seeds to fulfill local demand. Kota Marudu's selection for this project is due to its high poverty rate, being among the three poorest districts in Malaysia.
[ RM1 = €0.20 ]
Source: bernama.com