Over the last two decades, Shafie said the tropical fruits industry had experienced a phenomenal growth as new markets were taking shape given the rising demand from consumers. “The tropical fruit industry in Sabah has gained a new-found importance. The Sabah State Government acknowledges this, and thus seeks innovative and sustainable ways to develop the industry by diversifying away from traditional economic commodities such as oil palm or cocoa.”
He said the state Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry advocated agricultural diversification, which entailed a shift from oil palm cultivation to alternatives such as tropical fruits to supplement local food demands as well as for foreign markets.
“This would definitely boost farmers’ income and encourage economic growth,” Shafie said in his speech at the International Conference on Tropical Fruit Pests and Diseases.
Source: The Borneo Post
