KUCHING: Sarawak is promoting a “Sekali Tanam, Tiga Kali Tuai” (One Planting, Three Harvests) model aimed at helping pineapple smallholders generate income from fruit, suckers or seedlings, and plant waste.
Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the concept carries a simple message but holds significant economic value.
“We don’t want smallholders to see only fruit as a source of income. Fruit, seedlings and waste can all become sources of revenue. This is not just agriculture, but a smarter and more sustainable modern business approach,” he said.
His text of speech was read by Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail at the officiating of the Kursus Perdana Rantaian Industri Nanas Negeri Sarawak 2026 at Hotel 56, here on Friday.
Under the concept, fruit can be sold fresh or processed, suckers can serve as planting material, while waste can be converted into value-added products such as compost, animal feed and bio-based materials.
He said the approach reflected a shift toward a circular economy for the industry, reducing dependence on fresh fruit sales alone while cutting wastage.
The model was among the key themes of the three-day course, held from Sept 9 to 11, which drew some 200 participants including smallholders, agro-based entrepreneurs, and government and private agency representatives.
