MIRI: If done properly fertigation farming will give higher returns to farmers and also can be done all year round especially with vegetables and certain fruits like honeydew.
According to Wan Mohammad Zurkarnain Baharudin, assistant director of Horticulture Unit at the Agriculture Department here, fertigation farming was the next direction of systematic modern farming which has been successfully carried out in many countries like China, Japan and the Netherland.
“Besides, fertigation is one of solutions to unfertile soil, and manpower shortage but can increase yield,” Wan Mohammad said during a basic agriculture course using fertigation technology here recently.
Fertigation involves the application of fertilizers, soil amendments, or other water-soluble products through an irrigation system. It is used extensively in commercial agriculture and horticulture and is starting to be used in general landscape applications as dispenser units become more reliable and easy to use.
The course here was jointly organised by the Chief Minister’s Office (Bumiputera Entrepreneurial Development Unit), Miri Division Entrepreneurial Development Council of Miri Resident Office, Agriculture Department, Saberkas and Dewan Usahawan Buniputera Sarawak (DUBS).
Meanwhile, assistant director of the Chief Minister’s Office (Bumiputera Entrepreneurial Development Unit) Matnor Abang said the course was one of efforts taken by the unit to create a pool of entrepreneurs actively involved in fertigation technology.
Their focus was on farmers, youths and single mothers.
One of the 42 course participants, Ali Mudin said he was happy to be selected to attend the course, and hoped more of such courses be held in the state to benefits more farmers.
He also suggested that future courses also incorporate site visit to farms nearby.
Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/12/27/fertigation-the-next-systematic-modern-farming/#ixzz2GCrJ9xEB
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Swiftlet farms must move out by Jenne Lajiun.
to stop their activities within the city, municipal and township areas.
Any queries on the matter can be directed to the State Government, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry permanent secretary Datuk Michael Emban.
Speaking at a press conference after meeting with industry players at Wisma Tun Fuad, Emban said the directive is part of a set of 15 guidelines which would be enforced from January 1 next year to regulate swiftlet farming or rather ‘the fostering and propagation of swiftlets’ in Sabah.
The guidelines include among other things the needs and requirements before one could undertake swiftlet farming, and dissuade any swiftlet farmers from conducting their activities within cities, municipalities and towns in Sabah.
Swiftlet operators are also disallowed from starting their activities near all housing areas, public places, schools, clinics, houses of worships and water catchment areas.
The construction of swiftlet houses must be based on the relevant district plans or local plans, and must be sited in a 100-kilometer radius away from any airports and five kilometers radius away from runways.
Farmers intending to set up their swiftlet farming must enclose a map of the area where they are going to run their activities, which are allowed on titled land which states ‘agriculture’ as its land usage.
Swiftlet operators/farmers must control problems that may have ill effects on public health such as foul odours, breeding of mosquitoes and flies and environmental sanitation of their bird houses.
The use of loud speakers must not be more than 55dB, be pointed at an angle of 60 degrees towards the sky and can only be played between 6am and 7pm.
All swiftlet farmers are to abide by the good animal husbandry practice, the regulations set by any of the government agencies, conduct scheduled health and medical checks and abide by other directives from other government agencies from time to time.
Meanwhile, Tawau Swiftlets Association protem chairman Datuk Kour Nam Ngum, who was present at the press conference, said there are 4,000 swiftlet farmers in Sabah and 80 per cent of them would be adversely affected by the directive to close their operations 24 months from Jan 1, 2013.
Hence, he said, most members disagreed with the ruling.
He urged the authorities to defer the enforcement of the guidelines, saying they would be seeking the audience of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman on the issue.
“It is not fair to us,” he said, adding that investment in the industry in Sabah was around RM500 million.
Also present at the press conference was Sabah Wildlife Department director Dr Laurentius Ambu.
Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/10/05/swiftlet-farms-must-move-out/#ixzz2EBI1nfUa
Any queries on the matter can be directed to the State Government, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry permanent secretary Datuk Michael Emban.
Speaking at a press conference after meeting with industry players at Wisma Tun Fuad, Emban said the directive is part of a set of 15 guidelines which would be enforced from January 1 next year to regulate swiftlet farming or rather ‘the fostering and propagation of swiftlets’ in Sabah.
The guidelines include among other things the needs and requirements before one could undertake swiftlet farming, and dissuade any swiftlet farmers from conducting their activities within cities, municipalities and towns in Sabah.
Swiftlet operators are also disallowed from starting their activities near all housing areas, public places, schools, clinics, houses of worships and water catchment areas.
The construction of swiftlet houses must be based on the relevant district plans or local plans, and must be sited in a 100-kilometer radius away from any airports and five kilometers radius away from runways.
Farmers intending to set up their swiftlet farming must enclose a map of the area where they are going to run their activities, which are allowed on titled land which states ‘agriculture’ as its land usage.
Swiftlet operators/farmers must control problems that may have ill effects on public health such as foul odours, breeding of mosquitoes and flies and environmental sanitation of their bird houses.
The use of loud speakers must not be more than 55dB, be pointed at an angle of 60 degrees towards the sky and can only be played between 6am and 7pm.
All swiftlet farmers are to abide by the good animal husbandry practice, the regulations set by any of the government agencies, conduct scheduled health and medical checks and abide by other directives from other government agencies from time to time.
Meanwhile, Tawau Swiftlets Association protem chairman Datuk Kour Nam Ngum, who was present at the press conference, said there are 4,000 swiftlet farmers in Sabah and 80 per cent of them would be adversely affected by the directive to close their operations 24 months from Jan 1, 2013.
Hence, he said, most members disagreed with the ruling.
He urged the authorities to defer the enforcement of the guidelines, saying they would be seeking the audience of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman on the issue.
“It is not fair to us,” he said, adding that investment in the industry in Sabah was around RM500 million.
Also present at the press conference was Sabah Wildlife Department director Dr Laurentius Ambu.
Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/10/05/swiftlet-farms-must-move-out/#ixzz2EBI1nfUa
Sunday, December 2, 2012
High-Value Agriculture Raises Competitiveness: Nor Yakcop
By Nasarudin Omar
MELAKA, Dec 1 (Bernama) -- The development of high-value agriculture (HVA) serves to enhance the nation's profitablity and competitiveness in the world economy, says Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop.
He said there is a huge value in HVA investments because as the quality of life of more and more people around the world improves, there is added demand for more diverse types of food with higher nutrional and dietary value.
"Local development of HVAs will be focused on higher value industries including bird's nest, livestock, aquafarming, seaweed, herbs and spices, premuium fruits and vegetables, and fungi," he said in his keynote address at the Business Transformational Leaders Conference at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) here Saturday.
The conference attracted more than 200 delegates and speakers from seven countries.
Nor Mohamed said it is expected that the development of HVA in Malaysia would create jobs and increase local and foreign business investment opportunities in the country.
"In addition, immersion in HVA activities would enable an increase in farming revenues and maximise the output of existing resources," he said.
Also being held at MITC is the 1st Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Consumer Fair, featuring food products, services and handicrafts from the sub-regions' member countries.
-- BERNAMA
MELAKA, Dec 1 (Bernama) -- The development of high-value agriculture (HVA) serves to enhance the nation's profitablity and competitiveness in the world economy, says Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop.
He said there is a huge value in HVA investments because as the quality of life of more and more people around the world improves, there is added demand for more diverse types of food with higher nutrional and dietary value.
"Local development of HVAs will be focused on higher value industries including bird's nest, livestock, aquafarming, seaweed, herbs and spices, premuium fruits and vegetables, and fungi," he said in his keynote address at the Business Transformational Leaders Conference at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) here Saturday.
The conference attracted more than 200 delegates and speakers from seven countries.
Nor Mohamed said it is expected that the development of HVA in Malaysia would create jobs and increase local and foreign business investment opportunities in the country.
"In addition, immersion in HVA activities would enable an increase in farming revenues and maximise the output of existing resources," he said.
Also being held at MITC is the 1st Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Consumer Fair, featuring food products, services and handicrafts from the sub-regions' member countries.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Move to stop import and export of animal products Reports by FLORENCE A. SAMY and YUEN MEIKENG
THE import and export of carcasses and animal or bird products without a permit will be prohibited under the Animals (Amendment) Bill 2012.
This means that no person is allowed to import or export any carcass, semen, fodder, litter, dung or any product of animals or birds or any substance that is likely to spread disease unless they have a permit issued by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (Maqis) Department director-general.
The proposed amendment also allows a department enforcement officer to seize and detain any bedding, litter, fodder, dung, semen personal belongings or other substances imported which may spread disease.
If passed, the Bill would increase the penalty for those who go against the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister’s order to prohibit, either absolutely or conditionally, the import of any carcass or product of animals or birds that is likely to spread diseases.
Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Mohd Johari Baharum tabled the Bill for first reading yesterday.
Under the Bill, the penalty is increased to a maximum fine of RM50,000 or two years’ jail or both. This is compared to the original penalty of a RM5,000 fine or two years’ jail or both.
It was introduced to bring about changes for a more effective implementation to ensure the prevention, control and eradication of diseases from animals or birds as well as the prevention of cruelty to animals.
The proposed amendment is also a consequence of the introduction of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011.
It was reported that Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar had confirmed that the Animal Welfare Bill would be gazetted next year, in addition to the amendment to the Animal Act.
This means that no person is allowed to import or export any carcass, semen, fodder, litter, dung or any product of animals or birds or any substance that is likely to spread disease unless they have a permit issued by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (Maqis) Department director-general.
The proposed amendment also allows a department enforcement officer to seize and detain any bedding, litter, fodder, dung, semen personal belongings or other substances imported which may spread disease.
If passed, the Bill would increase the penalty for those who go against the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister’s order to prohibit, either absolutely or conditionally, the import of any carcass or product of animals or birds that is likely to spread diseases.
Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Mohd Johari Baharum tabled the Bill for first reading yesterday.
Under the Bill, the penalty is increased to a maximum fine of RM50,000 or two years’ jail or both. This is compared to the original penalty of a RM5,000 fine or two years’ jail or both.
It was introduced to bring about changes for a more effective implementation to ensure the prevention, control and eradication of diseases from animals or birds as well as the prevention of cruelty to animals.
The proposed amendment is also a consequence of the introduction of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011.
It was reported that Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar had confirmed that the Animal Welfare Bill would be gazetted next year, in addition to the amendment to the Animal Act.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
MAHA 2012
About MAEPS - The Venue
Malaysia Agro - Exposition Park Serdang or MAEPS was established to serve as a centre for agro-based events and activities. Host of Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro Tourism (MAHA), MAEPS also hosts other more industry-focused events and activities developed to promote the agricultural industry to the Malaysian public. The exhibition park resides on a 385.98 acre land belonging to the Malaysian Research and Development Industry (MARDI). As one of the largest exhibition parks and show grounds, MAEPS is the driving force behind the success of the agricultural industry in Malaysia. The Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry has successfully positioned agriculture as a profitable industry with its motto "Agriculture is business".
MAEPS was developed to serve these objectives:
Permanent place for MAHA (Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro Tourism)
Contribution to the Tourism and MICE Industry
Malaysia Agro - Exposition Park Serdang or MAEPS was established to serve as a centre for agro-based events and activities. Host of Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro Tourism (MAHA), MAEPS also hosts other more industry-focused events and activities developed to promote the agricultural industry to the Malaysian public. The exhibition park resides on a 385.98 acre land belonging to the Malaysian Research and Development Industry (MARDI). As one of the largest exhibition parks and show grounds, MAEPS is the driving force behind the success of the agricultural industry in Malaysia. The Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry has successfully positioned agriculture as a profitable industry with its motto "Agriculture is business".
MAEPS was developed to serve these objectives:
Permanent place for MAHA (Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro Tourism)
Contribution to the Tourism and MICE Industry
Thursday, October 18, 2012
MOMA and DOA Vision and mission
MOMA Vision: Leading the transformation of agriculture to achieve high income economy.
Vision Description:
This vision statement seeks to drive economy of agriculture community, that benefits the rural population in particular and contribute significantly to the state revenue. The ultimate destination of this statement is to provide rural population a quality livelihood.
DOA Vision:
Spearheading commercialization of agriculture and transformation of agriculture community to achieve high income.
Vision Description:
This vision statement seeks to transform agriculture sector to a high income earner that also contributes significantly to the state economy.
MOMA Mission
We commercialise and modernise the rural agriculture to improve household income.
Mission Description:
Vision Description:
This vision statement seeks to drive economy of agriculture community, that benefits the rural population in particular and contribute significantly to the state revenue. The ultimate destination of this statement is to provide rural population a quality livelihood.
DOA Vision:
Spearheading commercialization of agriculture and transformation of agriculture community to achieve high income.
Vision Description:
This vision statement seeks to transform agriculture sector to a high income earner that also contributes significantly to the state economy.
MOMA Mission
We commercialise and modernise the rural agriculture to improve household income.
Mission Description:
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Huge Allocation for Agriculture Sector In Malaysia
THE agriculture sector received a huge allocation of RM5.8bil under Budget 2013 given its high priority status to boost national income and also, for food security.
In addition, RM30mil will be allocated for agricultural development including high-technology applications in fruit and vegetable production, increasing the supply of high-quality seedlings, price stabilisation through direct selling from farms, establishment of fish markets as well as improving agricultural training institutions.
The Government will also allocate RM75mil to boost the output of food and health products.
For the plantation sub-sector, the Government will allocate RM432mil under the National Key Economic Areas (NKEA) for oil palm replanting, increasing the annual oil palm yield to 26.2 tonnes per ha in 2020 from 21 tonnes currently.
Industry players contacted said the move to encourage oil palm replanting was good especially to address the current high palm oil stocks above two millon tonnes in the country.
This can also help to stabilise palm oil price which is trading at the RM2,500 per tonne range, down by about 18% so far this year, they added.
Malaysian Estate Owners Association president (MEOA) Boon Weng Siew said: “I believe this replanting allocation is meant for smallholders to help them manage the high cost of replanting and not for private plantations.”
Previously, a smallholder received about RM7,000 per ha for replanting purposes, he added.
Sabri says FGVH has been undertaking aggressive replanting.
Therefore, smallholders including Felda settlers would likely be major beneficiaries. Via replanting, smallholders yield is expected to increase hence increasing their income.
The Government has forecast the income of an oil palm smallholder to grow by 47%, from RM4,794 per ha in 2010 to RM7,047 by 2020.
Felda Global Group president Datuk Sabri Ahmad told StarBiz recently that the group has been undertaking aggressive replanting to counter its high old age palm tree profile of above 18 years.
“We are replanting about 15,000ha per year and hopefully with the next three to five years, Felda Global Group palm tree profile will be restored,” he noted.
Similarly, plantation group United Malacca Bhd has also undertaken aggressive replanting over the past few years, said its chief executive officer Dr Leong Tat Thim.
He said the weighted average of the group’s palm tree above 25 years olds was only about 2%.
Leong concurred that the high replanting allocation by the Government under Budget 2013 would encourage smallholders which have been reluctant to undertake replanting due the the high CPO price over the past three to four years.
Leong says the allocation will encourage smallholders.
On the allocation of RM127mil for development of high value oleo derivatives to transform the downstream sector towards higher production of derivatives, Leong said: “This is a good move to encourage oil palm refiners to consider venturing into more high-end finished downstream products.”
On the RM1.5bil allocation to stabilise the cooking oil price in the country, Boon said: “This allocation actually will come from the cess and the windfall profit tax (WPT) collected from local plantation companies.”
For peninsula-based oil palm plantation players, a 15% WPT will be imposed when the CPO price threshold reach RM2,500 per tonne and above.
For Sabah and Sarawak oil palm planters, a 7.5% WPT will be imposed when the CPO price hit RM3,000 per tonne and above.
To ensure food security, four new padi granaries will be developed and expanded in Kota Belud, Batang Lupar, Rompin and Pekan.
Currently, 389,000ha of cultivated padi granaries are able to produce up to 1.8 million tonnes.
With an expenditure of RM140mil, the four new paddy granaries with acreage of 19,000ha and involving 12,237 farmers are expected to produce 104 tonnes.
The Government will continue to provide subsidies and incentives amounting to RM2.4bil to assist farmers.
In addition, RM30mil will be allocated for agricultural development including high-technology applications in fruit and vegetable production, increasing the supply of high-quality seedlings, price stabilisation through direct selling from farms, establishment of fish markets as well as improving agricultural training institutions.
The Government will also allocate RM75mil to boost the output of food and health products.
For the plantation sub-sector, the Government will allocate RM432mil under the National Key Economic Areas (NKEA) for oil palm replanting, increasing the annual oil palm yield to 26.2 tonnes per ha in 2020 from 21 tonnes currently.
Industry players contacted said the move to encourage oil palm replanting was good especially to address the current high palm oil stocks above two millon tonnes in the country.
This can also help to stabilise palm oil price which is trading at the RM2,500 per tonne range, down by about 18% so far this year, they added.
Malaysian Estate Owners Association president (MEOA) Boon Weng Siew said: “I believe this replanting allocation is meant for smallholders to help them manage the high cost of replanting and not for private plantations.”
Previously, a smallholder received about RM7,000 per ha for replanting purposes, he added.
Sabri says FGVH has been undertaking aggressive replanting.
Therefore, smallholders including Felda settlers would likely be major beneficiaries. Via replanting, smallholders yield is expected to increase hence increasing their income.
The Government has forecast the income of an oil palm smallholder to grow by 47%, from RM4,794 per ha in 2010 to RM7,047 by 2020.
Felda Global Group president Datuk Sabri Ahmad told StarBiz recently that the group has been undertaking aggressive replanting to counter its high old age palm tree profile of above 18 years.
“We are replanting about 15,000ha per year and hopefully with the next three to five years, Felda Global Group palm tree profile will be restored,” he noted.
Similarly, plantation group United Malacca Bhd has also undertaken aggressive replanting over the past few years, said its chief executive officer Dr Leong Tat Thim.
He said the weighted average of the group’s palm tree above 25 years olds was only about 2%.
Leong concurred that the high replanting allocation by the Government under Budget 2013 would encourage smallholders which have been reluctant to undertake replanting due the the high CPO price over the past three to four years.
Leong says the allocation will encourage smallholders.
On the allocation of RM127mil for development of high value oleo derivatives to transform the downstream sector towards higher production of derivatives, Leong said: “This is a good move to encourage oil palm refiners to consider venturing into more high-end finished downstream products.”
On the RM1.5bil allocation to stabilise the cooking oil price in the country, Boon said: “This allocation actually will come from the cess and the windfall profit tax (WPT) collected from local plantation companies.”
For peninsula-based oil palm plantation players, a 15% WPT will be imposed when the CPO price threshold reach RM2,500 per tonne and above.
For Sabah and Sarawak oil palm planters, a 7.5% WPT will be imposed when the CPO price hit RM3,000 per tonne and above.
To ensure food security, four new padi granaries will be developed and expanded in Kota Belud, Batang Lupar, Rompin and Pekan.
Currently, 389,000ha of cultivated padi granaries are able to produce up to 1.8 million tonnes.
With an expenditure of RM140mil, the four new paddy granaries with acreage of 19,000ha and involving 12,237 farmers are expected to produce 104 tonnes.
The Government will continue to provide subsidies and incentives amounting to RM2.4bil to assist farmers.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Strategic Objective of Agriculture Research
Strategic Objective of Agriculture Research is to Enhance research capabilities and the KPI are;
1. Percentage of findings with commercial potential
2. No of intellectual properties
1. Percentage of findings with commercial potential
2. No of intellectual properties
Thursday, October 4, 2012
DOA Sarawak New Vision & Mission
MOMA New Vision 'Leading the transformation of agriculture to achieve high income economy.'
DOA Sarawak New Vision 'Spearheading commercialization of agriculture and transformation of agriculture community to achieve high income.'
Vision Description: This vision statement seeks to transform agriculture sector to a high income earner that also contributes significantly to the state economy.
Mission; We commercialise and modernise agriculture to improve income of the agriculture community.
DOA Sarawak New Vision 'Spearheading commercialization of agriculture and transformation of agriculture community to achieve high income.'
Vision Description: This vision statement seeks to transform agriculture sector to a high income earner that also contributes significantly to the state economy.
Mission; We commercialise and modernise agriculture to improve income of the agriculture community.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Hari Peladang, Penternak Dan Nelayan 2012
Hari Peladang, Penternak Dan Nelayan 2012 pada 25-27 Ogos 2012 di Limbang.
The state-level Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen’s Day (HPPN) was held here on Aug 25 will help to enhance the economy of the target groups as a result of the huge market potential for agriculture and aquaculture products in Labuan, Sabah and Brunei.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu said that the celebration with the theme ‘Agriculture Industry Transformation- Generate High Income’ would introduce many local products including ‘tahai’ and livestock based food products to a higher level.
Moreover, he said that the strategic location of Limbang in the northern region would enable visitors from all over Borneo to converge here for the celebration, and in the process would boost the local economy.
“The occasion gives ample opportunities to farmers, breeders and fishermen to do good business in marketing their agricultural produce and products,” Jabu said, adding that this was in line with the government’s desire to eradicate poverty by 2020.
He said this at a press conference after chairing a meeting on the Farmer, Breeder and Fisherman Day here yesterday.
Also present were Assistant Minister of Agriculture (Farmer’s Organisation) Datuk Sylvester Entri, Assistant Minister of Agriculture (Research and Marketing) Datuk Mong Dagang, Limbang MP Hasbi Habibollah, Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agung and Bukit Kota assemblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail.
Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/08/01/target-groups-to-benefit-much-from-event-jabu/#ixzz24iKVCtyt
The state-level Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen’s Day (HPPN) was held here on Aug 25 will help to enhance the economy of the target groups as a result of the huge market potential for agriculture and aquaculture products in Labuan, Sabah and Brunei.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu said that the celebration with the theme ‘Agriculture Industry Transformation- Generate High Income’ would introduce many local products including ‘tahai’ and livestock based food products to a higher level.
Moreover, he said that the strategic location of Limbang in the northern region would enable visitors from all over Borneo to converge here for the celebration, and in the process would boost the local economy.
“The occasion gives ample opportunities to farmers, breeders and fishermen to do good business in marketing their agricultural produce and products,” Jabu said, adding that this was in line with the government’s desire to eradicate poverty by 2020.
He said this at a press conference after chairing a meeting on the Farmer, Breeder and Fisherman Day here yesterday.
Also present were Assistant Minister of Agriculture (Farmer’s Organisation) Datuk Sylvester Entri, Assistant Minister of Agriculture (Research and Marketing) Datuk Mong Dagang, Limbang MP Hasbi Habibollah, Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agung and Bukit Kota assemblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail.
Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/08/01/target-groups-to-benefit-much-from-event-jabu/#ixzz24iKVCtyt
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Limau Sunkist Blanja
PARIT, 15 Feb (Bernama) -- Perak, yang selama ini terkenal dengan limau Tambun, kini sedang mengorak langkah memperkenalkan pula "Limau Sunkist Blanja" sebagai satu lagi produk limau dari negeri ini.
Sekumpulan petani kini menerokai kawasan ladang limau seluas 100 hektar bagi mewujudkan Lembah Pertanian Belanja yang akan ditanami pelbagai jenis pokok buah sitrus termasuk limau madu, limau manis dan produk terbaru -- limau sunkist tempatan yang digelar "Limau Sunkist Blanja".
Empat sahabat dari Kampung Bharu Atas di sini telah mewujudkan Kampung Baru Sunkist Farm dengan mengusahakan kawasan seluas kira-kira 10 hektar bagi mengeluarkan anak-anak pokok limau tersebut.
Kumpulan yang diketuai Harisal Kefli Harun, 38, memulakan projek berkenaan tahun lepas dan mendapat sokongan serta khidmat nasihat dan infrastruktur daripada Jabatan Pertanian dan beberapa agensi kerajaan lain.
Harisal Kefli berkata mereka pada mulanya hanya berhasrat menanam pokok limau madu dan limau manis tetapi tidak menyangka usaha untuk menghasilkan anak pokok limau sunkist benih tempatan pula yang mendapat sambutan.
RASA ENAK
Beliau berkata limau sunkist Blanja mempunyai potensi dalam pasaran buah sitrus kerana rasanya enak dan isinya pula lebih lembut.
Harisal Kefli berkata beliau mula tertarik dengan projek tanaman limau Sunkist itu selepas mencuba di kawasan rumahnya.
"Timbul idea apabila melihat pokok limau Sunkist yang ditanam berbuah dengan baik," katanya sambil menambah bahawa selepas itu, dia memohon bantuan Jabatan Pertanian Perak Tengah untuk mencari pendekatan terbaik bagi menghasilkan anak pokok limau bermutu dan tahan penyakit.
"Kami kemudian mencuba teknik cantuman tunas bagi menghasilkan anak-anak pokok yang sesuai dan selepas beberapa percubaan, akhirnya kami berjaya apabila menggunakan batang pokok limau yecel (Limau Jepun)," katanya.
Harisal Kefli berkata pihaknya kini memerlukan lebih banyak anak pokok limau yecel untuk menghasilkan lebih banyak anak pokok limau Sunkist Blanja dan limau madu yang bermutu serta tahan penyakit.
TAPAK SEMAIAN
Beliau berkata mereka kini telah berjaya menghasilkan kira-kira 10,000 anak pokok limau Sunkist dan madu di kawasan seluas 0.4 hektar yang dijadikan tapak semaian.
"Kami sedang berusaha memperluaskan lagi tapak semaian itu kerana permintaan daripada petani dan peniaga anak pokok terhadap anak limau Sunkist begitu menggalakkan ... boleh dikatakan semua anak pokok yang disemai telah mendapat tempahan," katanya.
Harisal Kefli berkata selain mempunyai tapak semaian, pihaknya turut menanam anak pokok limau Sunkist Blanja dan limau madu di kawasan ladang seluas 6.5 hektar dengan keluasan tanaman 350 pokok sehektar atau 145 pokok seekar.
Mengenai ladang berkenaan, beliau berkata pokok yang dijaga dengan baik akan mengeluarkan hasil selepas tiga tahun. Tetapi, selepas matang selama empat tahun baru hasilnya akan mencecah sehingga 100 kg setiap tuaian.
Katanya, limau Sunkist Blanja mempunyai berat purata sekilogram bagi setiap empat biji dan buahnya boleh dikutip sepanjang tahun tetapi hanya dua kali dalam setahun ia mengeluarkan buah yang lebat.
PROJEK KELOMPOK
Beliau berkata seramai 20 orang lagi petani telah menyertai projek berkenaan yang dibangunkan secara berkelompok di ladang seluas kira-kira 100 hektar di Lembah Pertanian Belanja tersebut.
Pada masa ini, ladang berkelompok itu mendapat bantuan Jabatan Pertanian Daerah Perak Tengah yang memberi khidmat nasihat dan bantuan peralatan asas termasuk pembinaan sistem perparitan dan baja.
Ladang berkenaan kini dipenuhi dengan limau Sunkist, limau madu dan limau manis.
"Kami mahu menjadi pembekal anak pokok limau Sunkist, limau madu dan buah limau yang berjaya. Impian kami adalah untuk memperkenalkan limau Sunkist Blanja sebagai produk buah sitrus Perak yang terkenal seperti limau Tambun," katanya.
Sementara itu, Penolong Pegawai Pertanian Perak Tengah Shariful Anuar Sulaiman berkata limau Sunkist Blanja kini sudah ditanam dengan meluas di daerah ini -- di Talang, Changkat Seleboh, Tanjung Blanja selain Kampung Bharu.
"Kami harap kawasan ini akan menjadi kawasan pengeluar benih limau terkemuka menjelang 2015," katanya ketika melawat ladang berkenaan baru-baru ini.
Maklumat lanjut mengenai anak pokok limau Sunkist Blanja boleh didapati daripada Harisal Kefli di talian 017-5947172 atau Abd Kadir Yeob Manap (012-4131123).
-- BERNAMA
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Golden Crop
Planning for retirement started with planting 100 ha of oil Palm over 10 years. This crop able to generate RM100 per tree with the present FFB price of RM550 per tonne.
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