ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor aims to expand medium-scale black pepper cultivation in the state. State Agro-Based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip announced that the state government has allocated RM500,000 for this initiative, which will benefit black pepper farmers in Johor.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Zahari Sarip highlighted the significant opportunity for black pepper cultivation due to the Malaysian Pepper Board’s annual import of 3,000 tonnes of black pepper into Peninsular Malaysia. He stated, “We see a significant opportunity for those cultivating black pepper, which is why the state government wants to assist black pepper farmers to initiate medium-scale cultivation with an allocation of RM500,000.”

The initiative was discussed during the sidelines of the State Legislative Assembly sitting at Bangunan Sultan Ismail. Datuk Zahari further noted that discussions would be held with the Malaysian Pepper Board and relevant farmers to address the requirements need
ed to expand cultivation.

The current cultivation areas in Johor are scattered across Felda Inas, Kulai, Batu Pahat, and Pontian, but they are on a small scale. Datuk Zahari expressed the intention to enlarge these cultivation areas to boost production. Presently, Johor has a total of 21.6 hectares dedicated to black pepper cultivation, involving 90 farmers.