KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) is advancing efforts to bolster the nation’s pineapple industry through the establishment of a Pineapple Waste Processing Centre in Rompin, Pahang. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance waste management and maximize the industry’s economic potential.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the centre is anticipated to become operational in the first quarter of the year. It is being developed under the Pineapple Waste Industry Development Pilot Project, which has been allocated RM2 million by the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry. As part of this project, five farmers have received pineapple waste crusher machines, and another five have been supplied with fibre extraction machines. This initiative benefits farmers across several states, including Sarawak.
The centre aims to promote the ‘Sekali Tanam, Tiga Kali Tuai’ (Grow Once, Harvest Three Times) concept, which seeks to optimize the harvest of fruit, seeds, and waste. A significant focus is on producing ‘pinapeat,’ a semi-processed product made from dried pineapple waste. Pinapeat can be used in the production of various downstream products, such as paper, animal feed, and mushroom block mediums, thereby generating additional income for farmers.
LPNM’s commitment to enhancing the industry through effective waste management is evident in its ongoing pilot projects. The organization is focused on commercializing pineapple waste and supplying it to industry players in substantial volumes. To achieve this, LPNM is continuously refining its processes by deploying machines like the Forage Harvester and establishing the Pineapple Waste Processing Centre.
The Board is also actively engaged in research and development (R and D) projects with various partners to create both food and non-food products. Since 2021, thirteen studies have been completed or are ongoing, with four more planned for this year. Collaborations include work with Universiti Sains Malaysia on pineapple leather and raw pulp paper, and with the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board on fibre.
In addition to these initiatives, LPNM is working to support 250 Agro-based Industry (IAT) entrepreneurs in diversifying pineapple-based food products while enhancing product quality and technological innovation. The organization plans to increase the number of non-food IAT entrepreneurs, aligning with its ‘third harvest’ concept.
LPNM’s efforts have shown promising results, as evidenced by its export performance, which amounted to RM899 million as of September 2024. The Board estimates that the total export value for Malaysia’s pineapple industry could reach RM1 billion by the end of the year. Additionally, the successful expansion of pineapple cultivation by 1,674 hectares last year has increased the total plantation area to 18,275.7 hectares as of the end of 2023.