2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia targets 10,000ha cocoa cultivation by 2030 to meet growing demand
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia aims to expand cocoa cultivation nationwide to 10,000ha by 2030, from the current 5,985ha, to meet the rising demand for high-quality cocoa, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Plantation and Commodities Deputy Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin said the target is part of the Plantation Sector Cocoa Cultivation Promotion Programme – an initiative by the ministry and the Malaysian Cocoa Board to accelerate expansion through the plantation sector.
"This means an additional 4,000ha of cocoa cultivation by 2030. To achieve this, we have introduced the programme to drive expansion through the plantation sector," he said during the question-and-answer session.
Chan was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Lo Su Fui (GRS–Tawau) on measures to encourage cocoa cultivation in Sabah.
In reply to a supplementary question from Dr Halimah Ali (PN–Kapar) on efforts to improve cocoa varieties, Chan said one of the government's initiatives was to brand and promote premium local cocoa products as single-origin and fine-flavour cocoa.
Based on last year's data, the average price of dry cocoa beans surged 141 per cent to RM24,274 per metric tonne, compared with RM10,073 the previous year.
"Through such an approach, cocoa producers can showcase the distinctive taste of locally grown cocoa, which can attract both local and international chocolate makers.
"The ministry, together with the board, also provides various forms of assistance to help farmers continue cultivating cocoa, including fertilisers to improve soil fertility and structure.
"We also provide cocoa seeds and pesticides, whether to plantation companies or smallholders," he said.
