KENINGAU: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry (MAFFI) aims to expand avocado cultivation in Sabah to 600 hectares by 2035, as part of efforts to boost the state’s high-value agricultural sector.
Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said the current cultivated area stands at 318 hectares, with Keningau accounting for 132 hectares across a mix of varieties.
He shared this during a media interaction following the Taiwan-Malaysia Avocado Planting Partnership Seminar held Tuesday (June 9) at the Durian Valley Conference Hall in Keningau.
To support the expansion, the ministry plans to provide 50,000 subsidized planting materials to avocado farmers across the state.
Jamawi emphasized that scaling up production will require access to advanced technology, improved technical skills, and stronger international collaboration with countries experienced in avocado farming.
He highlighted the seminar as a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange on cultivation methods and post-harvest handling.
The event was sponsored by Sabah Softwoods Hybrid Fertilizer Sdn. Bhd., which he acknowledged, along with over 60 participants who contributed to its success.
Attendees included representatives from the Taiwan Avocado Association, the Department of Agriculture, TF Net, agricultural researchers, and members of the Malaysian Durian and Tropical Fruits Growers Association (MASDA).
Jamawi also noted that one of the key varieties being grown in Sabah is the QAV1, commonly referred to as the Quoin Sabah Avocado.
