Kelantan: The Kelantan state government is stepping up strategic efforts with the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) to develop the pineapple value chain, including processing, exports and branding.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Agriculture, Agro-food Industry and Commodities Committee chairman Datuk Tuan Mohd Saripudin Tuan Ismail stated that the move aims to make the industry a key economic cluster in the east. He highlighted the 'one planting, three harvests' model, which not only produces fruit but also seedlings and crop waste, which can be transformed into higher-value products like animal and fish feed. This approach is intended to reduce waste and boost the overall economic value of the industry.
He made these remarks in response to a query from Tuan Mohd Almidi Jaafar (PAS-Bukit Bunga) regarding the state government's plans to develop the pineapple value chain during today's session of the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly at Kompleks Kota Darulnaim.
Tuan Mohd Saripudin also mentioned that the state is utilizing idle land for large-scale pineapple farms to maintain steady output. These efforts are underpinned by a new supplier network to enhance Kelantan's role as a pineapple producer and exporter. Furthermore, the One District One Industry approach is being strengthened to encourage downstream industrial growth.
Local entrepreneurs are being empowered with schemes for processing and product innovation, such as converting pineapple waste into mushroom blocks and animal feed. Additionally, promotion, entrepreneur development, and youth involvement through initiatives like Young Agropreneur are being intensified.
Discussing the industry's performance, Tuan Mohd Saripudin noted that pineapple farming in Kelantan has shown robust growth with support such as grants, advisory programs, and a farmer rating system. The cultivated area reached 47.38 hectares in 2023, dipped to 44.56 hectares in 2024, and then surged to 88.13 hectares in 2025. He projected that new planting in 2026 would likely expand to around 140 hectares, driven by current trends and high demand.
He further emphasized that the MD2 pineapple variety is being prioritized in Kelantan due to its high commercial value and strong overseas demand, which offers better returns for growers.