SABAK BERNAM, 22 Oct: Selangor surpassed the 100,000 metric tonne target for the production of coconut oil when 104,421 metric tonnes were successfully produces as of August.
The Executive Councillor for Islamic Affairs, Agricultural Modernisation and Rural Development, Sallehen Mukhyi, said that a total output worth RM80.12 million was achieved, surpassing the state target, compared to the usage needs of 100,454 metric tonnes of coconut this year.
He said that the Selangor Agricultural Department has implemented the Coconut Rehabilitation and Replanting Programme since 1998 which focuses on crop integration method to increase the income of small coconut farmers.
“The State Government allocated RM300,000 for the programme. We also encourage natural farming methods that do not use harmful pesticides, in addition to protecting the environment and improving the income of farmers,” he said.
Sallehen said this during the Coconut Plantation Pest Control Campaign Programme Launch for the State of Selangor which was also attended by the Acting Director of Selangor Agriculture, Mohammad Idrus Ab Hamid and about 200 small time farmers from around Sabak Bernam, Sekinchan and Tanjong Karang here at Jalan Haji Idris, Mile 38, today.
Sallehen said this during the Coconut Plantation Pest Control Campaign Programme Launch for the State of Selangor which was also attended by the Acting Director of Selangor Agriculture, Mohammad Idrus Ab Hamid and about 200 small time farmers from around Sabak Bernam, Sekinchan and Tanjong Karang here at Jalan Haji Idris, Mile 38, today.
The campaign which was launched simultaneously across the state aimed at providing information on major pests, including the Horn Beetle, Snout Beetle, Artona Worms, Caterpillars, Coconut Sprout Pests that affect coconut crop productivity.
“Through this programme, we hope that farmers can detect early signs of pest infestation and perform control activities as recommended by the Department of Agriculture.
“The coconut industry is still relevant and demand will continue to increase to meet the needs of the fresh coconut processing industry,” he said.
