Seremban: The Negeri Sembilan state government will roll out a pineapple cultivation project for youth in the first quarter of this year, aimed at boosting young people's participation in the agricultural sector. Agriculture, Food Security and Cost of Living Committee chairman Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, announced the initiative, highlighting the state's commitment to involving younger generations in agriculture.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the state government has initially identified 12 groups aged 45 and below to participate directly in the pineapple planting industry. The first phase of the project will involve the distribution of 17,000 MD2 pineapple seeds to each selected participant, with the total cost exceeding RM270,000.

Jalaluddin stated that the participants will be selected in the first quarter of this year, with representation from every state constituency in Negeri Sembilan. Officers from the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) are providing support in plantation management, ensuring the use of best agricultural practices to enhance the quality and competitiveness of the produce. This announcement was made during the Negeri Sembilan Pineapple Plantation Technology Transfer and Management programme at Klana Resort Seremban, where LPNM chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali was also present.

The first phase of the programme will serve as a benchmark, with plans to extend the initiative to more youth in subsequent phases. In addition, the state government aims to establish a pineapple production hub in Juasih, Kuala Pilah, which is the area with the largest pineapple output in the state, followed by Rembau and Jelebu.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Umar noted that last year, there was a 165.87% increase in the pineapple planting area over the past five years, bringing the total to 220.43 hectares with 278 registered entrepreneurs. He emphasized that pineapple is not just a commodity crop but a growing economic resource gaining popularity among the people of Negeri Sembilan.