Contract farming of pineapples has proven to be a successful method in increasing income for planters, especially youths, according to Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (MPIB) chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali. He made these remarks during a launch ceremony for the export of MD2 Malaysian pineapples to Japan by Aqina Food Industries. Sheikh Umar expressed his interest in Aqina’s contract farming concept and commended the company for successfully entering the Osaka market.
Aqina Food Industries is currently cultivating MD2 pineapples on a plantation land spanning at least 101.1 hectares in Pekoti Timur in Rompin, Pahang. The chairman stated that 20 youths are already participating in the contract farming programme, with more expected to join in the future. These participants have been involved in the programme for over two years, and each has been allocated 2.02 hectares of land by the company to cultivate MD2 pineapples for six years.
The programme has been praised by Sheikh Umar for providing opportunities for youths to generate a decent income. He highlighted the cooperation between Aqina and Agrobank, which has facilitated loans amounting to more than RM200,000 for each round of crops. Participants have received training from the company on various aspects such as seed management, fertilisation processes, soil treatment, and more. As a result, they have successfully produced top-quality MD2 pineapples. Financial management guidance has also been provided by the company.
Sheikh Umar disclosed that the participants are earning approximately RM4,000 per month. With this income, most of them have been able to settle their car and student loans. He emphasized the need for more public-private sector partnerships in the agricultural sector to involve more youths. While businesses can make a profit, they also have a responsibility to help farmers increase their income.
The chairman believes that the contract farming concept further enhances the skills and capabilities of participants to navigate challenging economic situations. He pledged to intensify the cooperation between the MPIB and the private sector to ensure that the economic growth of the pineapple industry benefits a larger segment of the population.
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
