Melaka: The Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) is set to roll out a nationwide night farming initiative next year, aimed at boosting farmers' productivity and income through innovative agricultural practices.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, LPNM director-general Mohd Khairuzamri M Salleh announced the plan, highlighting preliminary studies that demonstrate the benefits of night farming using solar-powered lighting. This method allows farmers to fertilize and water the plants when the stomata are open, which can lead to faster growth, heightened productivity, and reduced operational costs.
Mohd Khairuzamri noted that in Malaysia, pineapples and dragon fruits are the only crops that respond to such nocturnal agricultural activities. This initiative aims to optimize the potential of pineapple cultivation. He shared these insights at the Melaka Pineapple Cultivation and Technology Transfer Programme in Bukit Katil, an event officiated by Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, the state Rural Development, Agriculture, and Food Security Committee chairman.
Based on initial studies, night farming can enable the cultivation of 3,000 to 6,000 pineapples per night more effectively than daytime farming. For instance, the harvest period for the MD2 pineapple variety could be reduced from 14 months to 11 months using this method. Additionally, night farming offers farmers an opportunity to generate income through carbon credits.
The initiative will utilize renewable energy, such as solar power for machinery and lighting, and crop waste for calculating carbon credits. LPNM is collaborating with SIRIM Berhad and relevant ministries to establish standards for recognizing these carbon credits. Once finalized, these credits will be distributed to farmers and industry players, termed as the 'fourth harvest' for pineapples.
Furthermore, under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), the targeted pineapple cultivation area is 30,000 hectares nationwide, excluding 20,000 hectares in Sarawak, which will require a separate private investment strategy. LPNM is also introducing new pineapple varieties that are more productive, mature faster, and have a higher density to meet growing export demands.