Kuala lumpur: The pineapple industry in Melaka has experienced a significant expansion, with a more than 142 per cent increase in the cultivated area over the past five years since 2021, now reaching 125.7 hectares. This growth has been supported by 197 entrepreneurs registered under the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh shared that Alor Gajah leads with the largest cultivated area at 67.1 hectares, followed by Jasin with 59.4 hectares and Melaka Tengah with 7.2 hectares. He highlighted the potential for further growth in the industry, including fresh fruit production, agro-based products, processing, exports, and agro-tourism.
Dr Muhamad Akmal stressed the importance of collaboration between the state government and LPNM to empower local entrepreneurs, especially youths and rural communities, to ensure the sustainability of the pineapple industry as a significant economic contributor. He delivered these remarks at Taman Bunga Merdeka during the LPNM-Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) Bromeliad Garden opening and the handover ceremony for the new LPNM Melaka office keys. The event was attended by LPNM director-general Mohd Khairuzamri M Salleh and MBMB Mayor Datuk Shadan Othman.
He further announced that the new LPNM Melaka office, set to open in August, marks a pivotal development in bolstering the state's pineapple industry. This dedicated office, the first of its kind in nearly 69 years of LPNM's history, will provide a service delivery hub for pineapple entrepreneurs and growers in Melaka, reducing their need to travel to the shared office in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.
In addition, Dr Muhamad Akmal invited farmers and industry players interested in cultivating idle state-owned land to submit proposals for a Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL). The state government offers these TOLs free of charge for one year, encouraging farmers and livestock breeders to capitalize on this opportunity.
The Bromeliad Garden, showcasing 415 bromeliad plants, is expected to attract visitors interested in ornamental pineapple plants, adding another dimension to the region's agro-tourism appeal.