KOTA BELUD: Datuk Ewon Benedick, the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, has stressed the need for more farmers, especially in the Kadamaian region, to participate in and grow black pepper farming as a promising business venture.
He said that the market for black pepper is extensive and offers significant assurance to growers and producers.
“To support and continuously encourage farmers in Kadamaian, I have donated 600 black pepper seedlings to 30 participants of the black pepper cultivation course.
“I hope this will serve as a stepping stone for farmers to cultivate black pepper on a larger scale in the future,” he stated.
He made these remarks after distributing the seedlings to course participants at the Kadamaian Assemblyman’s office on Sunday.
Ewon, who is also the State Assemblyman for Kadamaian, reiterated his commitment to further developing the black pepper industry in Kota Belud, especially in Kadamaian.
“This is part of my ongoing support and assistance to small black pepper farmers, a commitment I made even before becoming a representative in this area,” he added.
Meanwhile, Janus Tioon, Chairman of the Kota Belud Black Pepper Growers and Producers Association (PLAS), noted that Datuk Ewon’s donation of black pepper seeds provides an opportunity and encouragement for farmers in Kadamaian to start and expand their black pepper cultivation.
“Thank you, Datuk Ewon, for this contribution. It demonstrates your dedication and strong commitment to enhancing black pepper farming in Kadamaian.
“I hope this donation will inspire new growers to continue developing black pepper agriculture,” he remarked.
The participants of the black pepper course expressed their gratitude to Ewon for the support.
Nani Sikin from Kg. Piasau mentioned that this is her first time planting, and she hopes the assistance will be beneficial.
