Fertiliser JV to serve Sabah agricultural sector
Published on: Monday, August 15, 2022
Bung (centre) and Abdul Ghani giving thumbs-up as Syaheddrul (left) and Dr Muhammad Fairus show the signed MoU documents.
A HIGH-tech nano-fertiliser factory will be jointly developed by Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB) and Diversatech Fertiliser Sdn Bhd (DFSB) on 10 acres of SLDB-owned land in Silabukan, Lahad Datu.SLDB and DFSB signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this purpose in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 11.
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The MoU was signed by SLDB General Manager Syaheddrul R Joddari and DFSB Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Muhammad Fairus Hussain, witnessed by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin and SLDB Chairman Datuk Abdul Ghani Mohd Yassin.
Syaheddrul said the MoU is part of the SLDB Strategic Plan 2022-2026 to develop Sabah’s rural communities through the purchase of agricultural inputs such as plant fertilisers that can be obtained at reasonable prices.
In addition, he said, it would also open up space for SLDB to diversify its business activities through the sale of plant fertilisers to farms and farmers in Sabah as well as international markets such as Indonesia and the Philippines.
“It will also create job opportunities for Sabahans and provide them the experience in setting up such a factory.
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“The construction of the fertiliser factory is in line with the recommendations of the State Government through the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan and is also one of SLDB’s initial preparations to become a ‘food security’ agency in Sabah,” he said.
Dr Muhammad Fairus said DFSB and SLDB will jointly develop the factory.
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He said their close cooperation started with a joint venture in the field of research on the effectiveness of premium fertiliser products on oil palm plants that use nanotechnology produced by DFSB, which has resulted in a higher yield compared to normal practices.
In addition, he said, the nanotechnology fertiliser is applied only twice a year and effective in reducing Ganoderma disease on young oil palm plants.
In order to achieve the goal of national food security, where the people can access food physically and economically as well as sufficient for a healthy and sustainable life, Sabah must step forward by having a modern and dynamic fertiliser factory to meet the fertiliser needs for palm oil, rice, rubber, fruits and vegetables in order to continue to provide high and quality results for domestic use and export.
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