Kuala lumpur: Youths are being encouraged to take advantage of opportunities within the expanding pineapple industry to become integral contributors to the nation's agri-food sector.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali emphasized the potential for youth involvement to bring fresh perspectives and innovations to the industry. He highlighted the importance of integrating technology, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), mechanization, and modern approaches, to enhance the sector's growth and profitability.

Addressing attendees at the 2025 Malaysian Pineapple Day celebration, Sheikh Umar underscored the potential for youth engagement to create significant income opportunities. He reiterated LPNM's goal of achieving an income target of RM10,000 per farmer under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). Unofficial data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) projects a potential return of up to RM8,000 per farmer in the current year.

The Malaysian Pineapple Day event, themed 'Our Pineapple, Our Pride,' was held for the first time to coincide with World Pineapple Day on June 27. The celebration aimed to honor pineapple farmers and industry stakeholders while recognizing the board's contributions since its inception in 1957.

Sheikh Umar expressed his hope that the event would invigorate the agri-food sector, which plays a crucial role in the national economy. He noted the current trade imbalance in the food sector, with imports surpassing exports, and emphasized the potential for pineapples to contribute positively to the balance of trade. The event is planned to be held biennially moving forward.