SPAOH: The pepper industry must shift from pursuing production volume towards adopting a value-based approach by emphasising the quality and identity of Sarawak pepper to enhance the competitiveness of Malaysian products in the global market.

Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad stated that the success of the pepper industry depends not only on production volume but also on the value received by farmers.

"When the quality meets market demands, the country's pepper can be marketed at a higher value," she said.

She said this while speaking at the launch of the Pepper Industry Sustainability Seminar organised by the Malaysian Pepper Board (MPB) which was officiated by Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at the Spaoh Community Hall on Thursday.

She noted that under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), every government assistance scheme and programme must deliver tangible impact for farmers, including in terms of the type of produce demanded by the market, quality standards and the value generated.

She added that under the Pepper Cultivation Sustainability Programme, the government targets the development of 750 hectares of premium pepper crops, alongside the management of 800 hectares of mature pepper crops.

Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Dr Noraini also emphasised the importance of technology and innovation in ensuring the pepper industry continues to evolve in line with current developments.

She stated that the 'Dr. Lada' and 'Nutri Lada' applications would be integrated under the 13MP as a more comprehensive and user-friendly platform, making it easier for farmers to access relevant information and services.

"If technology can save time, boost yields and assist farmers in making more accurate decisions, its adoption must be expanded because innovation cannot just stop at the pilot project or demonstration stage," she said.

Meanwhile, Baram Member of Parliament and MPB Chairman Dato Anyi Ngau said the seminar was organised specifically to provide farmers with insights into assistance, technology and innovation, agricultural input management as well as pepper marketing.

He noted that this approach is crucial for helping farmers manage their farms more effectively, boost productivity and maintain the quality of their produce.

At the same event, MPB also inked two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Sarawak Oil Palm Berhad (SOPB) and Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad to pave the way for expertise sharing and new opportunities in the development of the pepper industry.

Also present were Sarawak Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD) Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities Dato’ Sri Huang Tiong Sii and Betong Member of Parliament Dato Dr Richard Rapu. -UKASnews