KENINGAU: The Sabah Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry aims to expand avocado cultivation in the State to 600 hectares by 2035, as part of efforts to strengthen the development of this high-value crop industry.
Its Minister Jamawi Jaafar said Sabah currently has 318 hectares of avocado plantations, with Keningau district accounting for 132 hectares comprising various mixed varieties.
“We are targeting a total avocado cultivation area of 600 hectares by 2035,” he told reporters after attending the Taiwan-Malaysia Avocado Planting Partnership Networking Seminar Programme at the Lembah Durian Conference Hall, here.
To achieve this target, Jamawi said the Ministry would approve 50,000 planting materials to be subsidised for avocado growers throughout the State.
He said efforts to expand avocado cultivation must be supported by technology transfer, skills enhancement and stronger collaboration networks with countries that have extensive experience in the industry.
“This Taiwan-Malaysia programme is an important platform for exchanging views, ideas and knowledge on cultivation techniques and post-harvest management of avocados,” he added.
He expressed appreciation to Sabah Softwoods Hybrid Fertiliser Sdn Bhd for sponsoring the programme and to the more than 60 participants who attended the event.
Also present were delegates from the China Taiwan Avocado Association, officers from the Department of Agriculture, representatives of TF Net, researchers and members of the Malaysian Durian and Tropical Fruit Growers Association (Masda).
Jamawi said among the avocado varieties currently cultivated in Sabah is Avocado QAV1, better known as Avocado Quoin Sabah.
He hoped similar programmes would continue to be held annually, enabling local growers to benefit from the experience and technology developed by avocado farmers in Taiwan.
“Such knowledge-sharing initiatives could accelerate the growth of Sabah’s avocado industry while improving the productivity and quality of local produce,” he said.
According to statistics, Taiwan had 2,376 hectares of avocado cultivation, with production reaching 22,599 metric tonnes in 2024.
Meanwhile, Jamawi attended a meeting regarding the proposed construction and upgrading of the Pangi-Tenom Road at the Tenom Pangi Power Station.
He also visited the home of a family affected by a tragedy.
