FAMA helps to sell Johor Moris pineapple for RM1 each

JASIN: The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) is helping to sell Moris pineapple from Johor for as low as RM1 each to overcome the problem of dumping the fruits.

FAMA board of directors member, Datuk Ghazale Muhamad, said the sale of pineapple at low prices was one of the steps taken by Melaka and Johor FAMA to help affected farmers get a fair return.

He said 6,000 Moris pineapples were sold within two hours at the Johor Moris Pineapple Promotion Programme held at the Farmers’ Market in Jalan Rim in Jasin, Melaka.

“Besides, to address the issue of pineapple dumping, we have also made market arrangements with local fruit wholesalers, Small and Medium Industries and Agro-based Industry entrepreneurs for the preparation of kuih raya and biscuits.

“Various activities involving Moris pineapple-based products were also held including cooking demonstrations and production of juice,” he told reporters after the programme today.

According to Ghazale until last Monday, Johor FAMA had bought 118.17 tonnes of Moris pineapple worth RM60,207 and the supply was distributed to Melaka FAMA to be marketed in all of the agency’s network including the People's Agrobazaar Shops, Agrobazaar Rakyat, fresh fruit stalls and farmers' markets.

“To address this dumping issue, FAMA in collaboration with the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (MPIB) also offers market assistance initiatives to affected farmers through the purchase of supplies and matching with canning factories,” he said.

On Monday, Bernama reported on the issue of farmers in Johor not being able to sell their harvest of Moris pineapple involving unregistered growers, thus causing the matter to be beyond the knowledge of MPIB.

MPIB chairman Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal was quoted as saying it was a serious matter which has been reported in several areas in Batu Pahat, Kluang and Pontian.

-- BERNAMA