Kelantan Teams Up With LPNM To Boost Pineapple Value Chain

KOTA BHARU, April 22 (Bernama) -- The Kelantan state government is stepping up strategic efforts with the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) to develop the pineapple value chain, including processing, exports and branding.

State Agriculture, Agro‑food Industry and Commodities Committee chairman Datuk Tuan Mohd Saripudin Tuan Ismail said the move aims to make the industry a key economic cluster in the east.

"One of the main moves is pushing the ‘one planting, three harvests’ model. This means pineapple crops produce not just fruit, but also seedlings and crop waste that can be turned into higher‑value products like animal and fish feed…reducing waste and boosting the overall economic value of the industry," he said.

He said this in response to a question from Tuan Mohd Almidi Jaafar (PAS–Bukit Bunga) on the state government’s plans to develop the pineapple value chain, during today’s sitting of the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly at Kompleks Kota Darulnaim here.

Tuan Mohd Saripudin said the state is also turning idle land into large‑scale pineapple farms to keep output steady.

"These efforts are backed by a new supplier network to boost Kelantan’s role as a pineapple producer and exporter. At the same time, the One District One Industry approach is being strengthened to drive downstream industrial growth.

"We’re also empowering local entrepreneurs with processing and product innovation schemes, such as turning pineapple waste into mushroom blocks and animal feed. Promotion, entrepreneur development and youth involvement through programmes like Young Agropreneur are being ramped up," he said.

Commenting on the industry’s performance, he said pineapple farming in Kelantan has grown strongly, thanks to support such as grants, advisory programmes and a farmer rating system, noting that cultivated area reached 47.38 hectares in 2023, slipped to 44.56 hectares in 2024, then jumped to 88.13 hectares in 2025.

"Given current trends and high demand, new planting in 2026 is expected to reach around 140 hectares," he said.

Tuan Mohd Saripudin also said the MD2 pineapple variety is being prioritised in Kelantan because of its high commercial value and strong overseas demand, offering better returns for growers.

-- BERNAMA