Kota Tinggi:The JanaVeteran Kayti Ginger Project, initiated by Boustead Plantations Berhad (BPlant) in partnership with the Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Affairs Department (JHEV ATM), has successfully recorded its first harvest with a value of nearly RM1.2 million since its inception in March.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin emphasized that the project not only enhances national food security by reducing reliance on imported ginger but also provides employment opportunities for military veterans. During the launch of JanaKomuniti at FELDA Air Tawar 3, he highlighted the project as a testament to the government's commitment to supporting veterans and strengthening food security.
The initiative is part of JanaVeteran, introduced by the Defence Ministry through JHEV ATM in collaboration with BPlant, aimed at empowering veterans socio-economically through modern agriculture. BPlant purchases the entire yield, managing centralized marketing to buyers and wholesalers, thus ensuring stable income for participants.
Mohamed Khaled noted that the ginger harvest, which can be processed into various downstream products, could attract manufacturers and ginger-based industries to Kota Tinggi. The project is also linked to the JanaKomuniti Programme, which collaborates with the People's Service Centre in the Kota Tinggi Parliamentary Constituency.
BPlant chairman Lieutenant General Datuk Ahmad Norihan Jalal (Rtd) remarked on the project's progress, highlighting agriculture's potential as a sustainable income source for veterans. The first phase involved 15 veterans managing 12 hectares of fertigation plots, each containing 7,500 polybags of ginger, supported by comprehensive infrastructure and training.
Participants are guaranteed a monthly income of RM2,500, with additional incentives of up to RM1,500 per cycle based on harvest yield and quality. The project also encourages the exploration of ginger-based products like honey ginger tea and candied ginger, which are being prepared for commercial distribution.
Veterans such as Royal Malaysian Navy retiree Muhamad Nasir Ismail and former e-hailing driver Norfarman Abdul Rashid have expressed how the initiative eases financial burdens and offers new opportunities in agriculture. At the event, 12 veterans received certificates of completion for Industrial Training in collaboration with BPlant and PERHEBAT.
The project receives support from various organizations, including the Agriculture Department and Universiti Putra Malaysia, among others.