The two, third-generation pomelo farmers, have moved from traditional farming methods to modern agriculture practices, yielding quality fruit from the 180 pomelo trees in their farm. Their farm is among 250 farms nationwide to receive the accreditation.

SWEET SUCCESS: Kenny showing off some young pomelos which will be harvested for the Chinese New Year. >>>

Agriculture Department director-general Datuk Khamsiah Muhammad will visit the farm on Thursday. Kenny said the new farming methods adopted by them have helped Tambun Valley Pomeloes (TVP) — their trademark — save time and labour cost and improved the trees’ yield.

"TVP has been a family business for over 30 years. "Years of experience and innovations have allowed our farm to produce quality pomelos, well known for their juiciness and tart taste. "Our pomelos are exported to Canada, Hong Kong and Indonesia." TVP produces two varieties of the fruit — PO52, which is pinkish yellow and sweet, and PO55 which is red and sour.

Kenny said the farm’s location, surrounded by limestone hills rich in calcium, provided the trees with a natural fertiliser. For the export market, Kenny said the pomelos were sent to Fama for grading, sizing and phytosanitary certification before being exported. The farm produces an average of 55,000 tonnes of pomelos annually.

What SALM stands for

SALM is a national programme implemented by the Agriculture Department to recognise and accredit farms which adopt good agriculture practices, operate in an environment-friendly way and yield produce safe for human consumption.

Accreditation is achieved through visits to farms to evaluate farming practices to ensure they conform with the stipulated conditions. The conditions are related to the environment at the farm; farmer’s adherence to good agricultural practices; and, safety of the produce.

Farms conforming to the conditions will receive a certificate which allows the producer to affix seals of quality on their produce/products for domestic and international markets.

Source