Course on Black Pepper planting sparks enthusiasm among participants

9 November 2024

KOTA BELUD: Over 60 participants attended the Pepper Entrepreneur Course organised by the Sabah Black Pepper Planters and Producers Association (PLAS) at the Kadamaian State Assembly Office in Kampung Piasau today.

This event was held in collaboration with the Malaysia Pepper Board (MPB) and aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of local pepper growers and entrepreneurs.

The course featured four distinguished speakers who shared their expertise and insights on various aspects of black pepper cultivation and entrepreneurship.

Gerald Conrad, a representative from MPB, provided an informative session on the fundamentals of black pepper planting, covering essential techniques and best practices for successful cultivation.

Yasier Rahim, another officer from MPB, discussed the subsidised assistance available for growers, highlighting the support mechanisms in place to aid local farmers in their endeavours.

Zita Bolingkong, a successful grower and entrepreneur, offered valuable insights into the potential products that can be derived from black pepper, emphasising the versatility and market opportunities associated with this valuable crop.

Earlier, PLAS Deputy Reggie Walter delivered a presentation on the role and functions of PLAS, outlining the association's commitment to supporting pepper growers and promoting the industry.

The event fostered an engaging environment for participants to learn, network, and explore new opportunities within the pepper industry, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders.

Masriah Diaz Taukin a participant from Kg Lingkubang Kota Belud was very keen with the course as it gave her more knowledge about how to plant, take care and manage pepper plants and the plantation as a whole.

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to attend this course. Last year, I attended a pepper planting course twice in Kota Kinabalu, organised by the Agriculture Department. The experience was invaluable, and today, I am excited to participate in the course once again.

"My primary goals are to deepen my knowledge of black pepper cultivation and to connect more closely with the Black Pepper Growers' Association in Kota Belud as I was on my own in pepper cultivation.”

“I have begun the planting process, but I am still purchasing the plants and preparing the necessary stakes for them. So far, I have managed to acquire 100 plants, of which I have successfully planted 20. The search for suitable stakes has been a bit challenging, but I am committed to overcoming this hurdle.”

“I am eager to meet fellow enthusiasts who share my passion for black pepper cultivation. From my previous experience, I learned that this field can be a lucrative source of income when managed properly. It is particularly appealing for those with limited land, as pepper cultivation needs less space when compared to oil palm and other crops,” she said, adding that she aspires to become a successful pepper grower.

Jesferi Sundok of Kg Talungan shared that he currently manages just over one acre of land, where he has been cultivating black pepper since 2015.

“I have dedicated nearly the entire acre to this crop. I have attended similar courses three times in the past, and I am participating in this course now to further enhance my knowledge. My goal is to become a successful black pepper farmer in the future,” he enthused.

Longit Kudapak also a planter from Kg Nahaba said, “Over the past six years, I have dedicated myself to nurturing a collection of 50 thriving black pepper plants. This endeavour is quite rewarding, as I sell my raw harvest to a local agent, generating a steady source of income. “

“During the school holidays, my children join me in the fields, helping with the various tasks involved in caring for the plants. They seem to be interested in agriculture.

"Looking ahead, I am optimistic about the future of my farming venture. I have aspirations to expand my planting area, which would allow me to increase production and potentially get more income. This course will enable me to gain more knowledge on black pepper planting.”

In his speech earlier when launching the event, Datuk Ewon Benedick the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDC) who is also the Kadamaian State Assemblyman encouraged the participants to strive towards success and hoped that most if not all of the participants will become successful entrepreneurs in this field.

According to him, they should form an association and then a cooperative to advance further. From this cooperative they should advance and form a foundation.

The association is utilised for holding workshops or courses, the cooperative for their commercial venture and the foundation for funds from profit to go towards their children or other needs.

Dennison R Indang, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Malaysian Pepper Board (MPB), officially closed the one-day event.