SABAH SHIPS FIRST BATCH OF MD PINEAPPLES UNDER IPR INTAN PROGRAMME

KOTA KINABALU, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- Sabah made an agricultural milestone today with the maiden shipment of fresh MD2 pineapples totalling 15 tonnes under the People’s Income Initiative (IPR) programme here.

Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who is also the State Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, said this “first export” beyond Sabah marked the success of the state’s IPR -Agropreneur (IPR INTAN) project managed by the Sabah Rubber Industry Board (LIGS).

According to him, the shipment to Rompin Integrated Pineapple Industries (ROMPINE) in the peninsula signals the achievement of Sabah’s smallholders in improving their lives through modern and high-value farming activities.

“As a state rich in agricultural resources, we cannot rely on just one type of crop. Therefore, the state government has taken strategic steps to introduce crop diversification, including the high-potential MD2 pineapples,” he said in his speech at the launch of the first fresh MD2 pineapple export beyond Sabah at the Sepanggar Port here.

Jeffrey said the MD2 pineapple planting project began in 2023 with an initial allocation of RM11.04 million from the Ministry of Economy, followed by an additional RM16.58 million allocation last year to expand the farming area.

The government further approved a RM4 million allocation to develop a Pineapple Collection and Packaging Centre in Kota Marudu to strengthen the supply chain, he noted.

He said LIGS, which has long been known for its role in the rubber sector, has now succeeded in expanding its involvement in high-value agriculture.

“The project is an example of how LIGS is capable of bringing significant changes to smallholders and further contribute towards Sabah’s overall economic development,” he said.

He explained that in-depth studies were conducted to identify potential crops that could provide high returns, have a stable market, and are suitable for Sabah’s climate and soil. As a result, the MD2 pineapple was identified as the most suitable crop to be developed on a large scale.

Jeffrey also expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Economy, LIGS, farmers, and strategic partner companies such as ROMPINE and Una Crop, which have contributed to the success of this initiative.

He concluded his speech by stating that the state government would continue to support the market-oriented farming in an effort not only to increase farmers' incomes but also to ensure food security for the state and nation.

-- BERNAMA