Negeri sembilan: The Negeri Sembilan government is formulating a long-term strategy to turn the state into a leading agricultural export hub, with a focus on large-scale fruit and grain cultivation. Senior state executive councillor Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias said the initiative is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy through the production of fruits such as pineapples, durians, jackfruits, as well as grain corn, which will not only meet domestic needs but also hold strong export potential.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, grain corn cultivation is being given special attention as a source of feed for livestock such as cattle, goats, and chickens. Areas such as Londah, Gemas have been identified as highly suitable starting sites, with 40 hectares allocated for the development of grain corn seed production. Apart from padi fields, these areas are also very suitable for corn cultivation. The plan includes expanding to all districts in stages according to the suitability of each location and establishing zoning to encourage farming activities within the community.
Jalaluddin emphasized that the state government is also focusing on producing high-quality durians, particularly in the Jelebu district, which currently has nearly 10,000 hectares of durian plantations. The state government is forging strategic collaborations with several private parties, including joint-venture partners from Guangzhou, to expand the export market for durians. He highlighted a visit to China last year where he officiated at the opening of a 'Jelebu Durian' outlet in Guangzhou city, noting that despite the fruits being frozen and taking one to two weeks to arrive, their quality and taste remained intact, with a single durian fetching between RM180 and RM200.
Jalaluddin, who is State Agriculture, Food Security and Cost of Living Committee chairman, stressed the importance of diversifying fruit crops as durians are seasonal. He stated that there is a need to encourage the cultivation of other fruits so that farmers' incomes are not dependent only on the durian season. This effort will be reinforced through strategic partnerships and the planning of cultivation zones based on local potential. With the implementation of this long-term plan, Negeri Sembilan is poised to become one of the leading producers and exporters of fruits and livestock feed in the region.