PUSA: The Sarawak government has allocated RM13 million to further develop the high-potential pineapple industry in Beting Maro.
Beting Maro assemblyman Razaili Gapor said the allocation will go towards strengthening support infrastructure, including the construction of a processing centre and the establishment of an Anjung Usahawan.
“A total of RM13 million has been allocated to develop the pineapple industry, which includes building a processing centre.
“An Anjung Usahawan will also be set up to promote agriculture-based products such as pineapple, coconut and gula apong (palm sugar),” he said when officiating a pineapple-based non-food product processing course at Dewan Al-Amin in Beladin yesterday (Jul 14).
Razaili added that pineapples offer not only commercial potential through fruit production, but also through value-added products derived from other parts of the plant such as leaves, which can be processed into fibre.
“Pineapple is a raw material that can be processed into various food and non-food products. Much knowledge has been gained, including aspects of seed selection, planting methods, harvesting and post-harvest management.
“The value chain of this industry will continue to grow if entrepreneurs are given comprehensive exposure, not just on the fruit itself, but also on the innovative potential of the leaves,” he said.
