Kuala Lumpur:Kampung Bukit Kecil A local farmer is embracing the challenge of cultivating a new pineapple variety known as Sarawak Gold 1 (SG1), introduced by the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board's Terengganu branch.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Khairi A Rahaman, aged 39, is among the pioneer growers of the SG1 variety in the region. He is preparing for his first harvest of approximately 11,000 plants, expected in the first quarter of the upcoming year.
Mohd Khairi explained that while the SG1's planting and maintenance methods are similar to those of the popular MD2 variety, SG1 offers several advantages. It has a shorter harvesting period of about nine months compared to up to 14 months for other varieties, along with an attractive shape and sweet, juicy flesh ideal for the fresh market.
Managing a farm that spans about 4.05 hectares, including 0.81 hectares rented from villagers, Mohd Khairi took over its management in 2023 after his mother's passing. His father had initially started the farm in 2006 under the Bukit Kecil Cluster Pineapple Project, focusing on Sarawak and N36 (Madu) varieties before transitioning to MD2 in 2016 due to its market potential.
With assistance from two permanent workers, Mohd Khairi's farm currently produces between two and three tonnes of pineapples monthly, with production peaking at five tonnes during specific periods such as Ramadan. He aims to continue expanding his pineapple cultivation as long as possible. Another grower within the Bukit Kecil Cluster Pineapple Project is also cultivating the SG1 variety.