The Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (MPIB) has set an ambitious target to expand the country's pineapple plantation footprint to 20,000 hectares by the end of the year, according to MPIB chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali. With a current expanse of 17,000 hectares, the focus is on East Malaysia for the additional 3,000 hectares needed to meet this goal.
Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali highlighted the untapped agricultural potential in Sabah and Sarawak as a strategic move to achieve this expansion. Furthermore, MPIB is committed to boosting pineapple production from the current 583,543 tons to 700,000 tons, aligning with the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry's objectives. This includes the adoption of technology and the introduction of the new SG1 pineapple variety from Sarawak, which promises a shorter harvest time of just nine months.
On the export front, MPIB aims to increase shipments by 200 containers, targeting markets in China, Korea, Japan, Germany, and the Middle East, with a goal to hit 1,000 containers this year.
Source: thestar.com.my