Fruit Farmers Association respond to government’s call on food security

Datuk Lawrence Ting, (third right) when announcing the establishment of the centre

23 August 2024

By AVV

PENAMPANG: The Fruit Growers Association is in the process of establishing a state-of-the-art training centre on a 4.6-acre site in Melaka.

The primary objective of this initiative is to provide comprehensive education and training to young individuals interested in the cultivation of fruit trees and vegetables.

The training center will feature dedicated plots for various types of food plants, allowing participants to cultivate their chosen crops under the expert guidance of experienced trainers.

Participants will receive instruction that covers all aspects of cultivation, beginning with the fundamentals of land preparation, such as clearing and soil conditioning, and progressing through to the actual planting and care of the plants.

This hands-on approach will ensure that trainees gain practical experience and develop a deep understanding of sustainable agricultural practices.

In addition to practical training, the programme will also include sessions on crop management, pest control, and the importance of biodiversity, equipping young growers with the knowledge they need to succeed in the field.

By the end of the training, participants will be well-prepared to apply their skills in real-world agricultural settings, contributing positively to local food production and sustainability efforts.

The facility will be designed to accommodate up to 40 trainees simultaneously, providing full boarding facilities that create a supportive and immersive environment for hands-on learning experiences. Each trainee will have access to comfortable accommodations that promote rest and focus, allowing them to fully engage with the training program.

In addition to the sleeping quarters, the facility will feature communal areas for group activities, study sessions, and collaborative projects. These spaces will encourage interaction and teamwork among participants, fostering a sense of community and shared learning.

The president of the Sabah Fruit Farmers Association Datuk Lawrence Ting said, “The interactive facilities at the training centre will encompass food processing training. Our goal is to make this centre accessible to all interested participants, including young individuals. We aim to introduce smart technology as a crucial component of our agricultural practices, recognising that the industry must evolve to remain competitive. Embracing smart technology is essential for us to stay ahead in the market. These advancements will be integrated into our centre to enhance our capabilities.”

Farmers need to embrace technology to reduce reliance on manual labour and minimise the need to hire workers from other countries. The adoption of new technology in planting and processing will lead to a more efficient agricultural sector with fewer manual labourers required, he said.

This project is a proactive response to the government's focus on enhancing food security, he said adding that by equipping the younger generation with essential agricultural skills, the training centre will nurture a new crop of knowledgeable growers who can contribute to the local food supply chain and advocate for sustainable farming practices.

This initiative is a significant step towards ensuring food security and sustainability in the region, aligning with broader national objectives.

Ting, who also serves as the President of the Federation of Malaysia Fruit Farmers Association, said the project is set to commence shortly as they had secured piece of land for RM1 million.

Additionally, he has established a partnership with Advansia, a fertilizer and pesticide company, to collaborate on the project's development.

The training centre hope to introduce agriculture to youth, particularly those in secondary schools, providing them with an alternative career path in a lucrative industry with the right guidance, perseverance, and interest.

“We will have an advisor from Taiwan, who is knowledgeable about this type of integrated farming when we commence on the construction. After we have done our paperwork, we will reach out to the relevant authorities in the Government for endorsement,” he said.

On youth interest in agriculture, he said, students are interested in farming, especially in schools where there is a gardening or agriculture club. They are enthusiastic learners and when the association talk to the students about planting vegetables, fruits and smart farming green house. They can be trained, if they are really interested.

On the agriculture sector in Sabah, he said they are still quite far behind where technology is concerned and he wants to bring this knowledge and technology to young people from Sabah, and in some ways the technology to reach the people.

He mentioned their commitment to assisting students who return to them after completing their secondary education by providing them with in-depth knowledge about farming, preparing them to venture into the agriculture industry.

Regarding fruit tourism, he highlighted the potential for the centre to serve as a tourist attraction where visitors can not only observe but also taste a variety of fruits grown on-site. This interactive experience aims to promote agricultural awareness and appreciation among tourists while showcasing the diverse produce cultivated at the training centre.