Fruitful: Pineapple cultivation in Melaka has expanded 142pc since 2021

MELAKA, June 29 — The pineapple industry in Melaka has recorded a more than 142 per cent increase in cultivated area, reaching 125.7 hectares over the past five years since 2021, with 197 entrepreneurs registered under the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM).

State Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said Alor Gajah recorded the largest cultivated area at 67.1 hectares, followed by Jasin (59.4 hectares) and Melaka Tengah (7.2 hectares).

“This shows that the pineapple industry in Melaka has tremendous potential to continue expanding, not only through the production of fresh fruit but also in agro-based products, processing, exports and agro-tourism.

“The state government welcomes close cooperation with LPNM to further empower local entrepreneurs, particularly youths and rural communities, so that the pineapple industry can become a new sustainable source of economic growth,” he told reporters at Taman Bunga Merdeka here today.

He said this after officiating the LPNM-Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) Bromeliad Garden and the handover of keys to the new LPNM Melaka office, attended by LPNM director-general Mohd Khairuzamri M Salleh and MBMB Mayor Datuk Shadan Othman.

Dr Muhamad Akmal said the opening of the LPNM Melaka office in August would mark another significant milestone reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening the state’s pineapple industry.

“For the first time in LPNM’s nearly 69-year history, a dedicated office will be established in Melaka. Previously, Melaka shared an office with Negeri Sembilan, which is located in Seremban.

“The office will serve as a service delivery centre and facilitator for pineapple entrepreneurs and growers in Melaka, eliminating the need for them to travel to Seremban,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said farmers and pineapple industry players interested in cultivating idle state-owned land with pineapple crops could submit proposals to obtain a Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL).

He said the state government was offering TOLs free of charge for one year this year to farmers and livestock breeders in Melaka, and urged them to make full use of the opportunity.

He also said the Bromeliad Garden, featuring 415 bromeliad plants as its main landscaping element, was expected to become a new attraction for visitors to learn more about ornamental pineapple plants. — Bernama