The Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (MPIB) will introduce a new variety of the tropical plant in August that would push up Malaysia's yearly production. According to chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali, the board was still carrying out research and development on the new variety.
He stated: “We will officially introduce the new pineapple variety next month. The new variety would help increase Malaysia pineapple production,” adding that presently Malaysia produced between 400,000 and 600,000 tons of pineapples on a yearly basis but the country was only able to supply 0.25% of the world’s pineapple demand.
Sheikh Umar said the country's pineapple plantation area in 2021 was at 16,204ha with a production value of RM675.7mil with Johor being the largest pineapple plantation state, covering 63% of the total.
“There are currently 16 pineapple varieties planted in Malaysia but only four varieties can be exported to overseas markets. The four pineapple varieties that we export are MD2, N36, Morris and Josephine while the rest is meant for the local market. However, with this new variety that MPIB is introducing soon, meant for both local and foreign markets, it can help increase our pineapple production,” he said.
Sheikh Umar added that under the 12th Malaysia Plan, the government has set a target of seeing pineapple production reach 700,000 tons by 2025.
Source: thestar.com.my
