Kuala lumpur: The B40 Community Agro Programme for MD2 Pineapple Farming, implemented by Aqina Fruits Sdn Bhd (AFSB) in collaboration with Agrobank, supports the Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger by empowering the low-income group in the agricultural sector. AFSB director Wesley Tan Seah Ging stated that the programme, which began in 2020, aims to guide local farmers towards becoming successful entrepreneurs, thereby sustaining their income and escaping poverty through financial stability.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, as of December last year, 87 local B40 farmers were appointed as contract farmers and received financing approval from Agrobank, which manages the fund while AFSB acts as the project developer. The programme also opened opportunities to Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) veterans in 2024 through a collaboration with the MAF Veteran Affairs Department, as noted by Tan.
AFSB ensures participants receive comprehensive support in agricultural operations and financial management, including practical farm training and assistance with documentation. The company guarantees crop buyback for contract farmers to ensure market access, with monthly meetings held to address issues and track progress.
Furthermore, certified accountants present financial statements for each participant, alongside guidance on course participation and agricultural certifications from agencies such as the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board and the Department of Agriculture. Tan highlighted that the diverse skills provided serve as a gateway for participants to become competitive entrepreneurs.
The programme operates at three locations: Pekoti Timur, Rompin, Pahang; FGV Chuping Agro Valley, Chuping, Perlis; and Beaufort, Sabah. It has achieved milestones, including enabling some contract farmers to establish and run their own businesses independently while remaining in the programme. Notably, several farmers have become pineapple suppliers for the domestic market.
Additionally, 20 contract farmers successfully obtained Malaysian Good Agricultural Practices (MyGAP) certification under AFSB's guidance. Tan emphasized continued collaboration with Agrobank and various agencies to contribute to economic growth and empower local farmers to become skilled pineapple entrepreneurs.
Agrobank president and group chief executive officer Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin previously reported that the contract farming collaboration under the B40 model secured RM24 million in funding. Agrobank remains dedicated to empowering asnaf and B40 entrepreneurs through the iTEKAD grant, providing financing facilities of up to RM280,000 per participant for the pineapple cultivation project.
This initiative is part of Agrobank's ongoing efforts to strengthen socioeconomic development among low-income communities, stimulate agricultural sector growth, and increase national pineapple production to meet both local and potential export demands.