Pioneer Farmer Takes Chance On New Sg1 Pineapple Variety

By Mohd Taha Yaacob

BANDAR PERMAISURI, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- A farmer in Kampung Bukit Kecil near Chalok here is taking on the challenge of growing a new pineapple variety, Sarawak Gold 1 (SG1), introduced by the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) Terengganu branch.

Mohd Khairi A Rahaman, 39, one of the pioneer growers of SG1 in the state, is now awaiting his first harvest of about 11,000 plants, expected in the first quarter of next year.

“I am still learning how to manage this new variety, although its planting and maintenance methods are quite similar to MD2.

“SG1 has the potential to become a new choice for consumers and farmers, alongside MD2, which is currently popular among consumers and pineapple growers,” he told Bernama at his farm here recently.

Mohd Khairi said SG1 has several advantages, including a shorter harvesting period of about nine months after planting compared with up to 14 months for other varieties.

He said the variety also has an attractive shape, sweet and juicy flesh, and a texture suitable for the fresh market.

Mohd Khairi currently manages a farm spanning about 4.05 hectares, including 0.81 hectares of land rented from villagers.

The youngest of three siblings, he previously worked with his father in the construction sector before taking over the farm's management in 2023.

“I started helping my mother, Hindun Melor, with the farm in 2020 after my father suffered a stroke and could no longer manage it.

“After my mother died in 2023, I took over the full management of the farm,” he said.

His father began growing pineapples in 2006 under the Bukit Kecil Cluster Pineapple Project, initially planting Sarawak and N36 (Madu) varieties before switching entirely to MD2 in 2016.

Mohd Khairi said the switch was made after they saw greater market potential and better prices for MD2.

With the help of two permanent workers, his farm now produces between two and three tonnes of pineapples a month, rising to as much as five tonnes during certain periods, including Ramadan.

“I plan to continue growing pineapples for as long as I am able and hope to expand the cultivated area in the future,” he said, adding that another grower in the Bukit Kecil Cluster Pineapple Project is also cultivating SG1.

-- BERNAMA