KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has allocated 3,237ha of land between Tenom and Sipitang for a commercial scale avocado plantation.
"We are exploring as many development projects as possible, which will be catalysts for our economic growth.
"The state government sees Keningau as the interior development hub due to its vast potential for agricultural expansion," said Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor during a working visit to the district recently.
An active avocado grower in the interior district, Jamawi Jaafar said the initiative was in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan to improve the agriculture sector in the state.
Jamawi who is a life member of the Sabah Durian and Tropical Fruit Growers Association (MASDA) said they are ready to provide the necessary assistance and cooperation to the government-linked company entrusted to implement the project.
MASDA has the expertise in farming technology, crop variety selection and farm management, he said.
"This association has the experience and expertise to make sure the project will benefit the government and smallholders in rural areas," said Jamawi who was also former Kemabong state assemblyman.
He also hoped the state Agriculture Department can provide training programmes, pesticide fertiliser assistance and product marketing to the smallholders.
"We are confident that the agricultural industry, especially avocado cultivation, has long -term prospects to generate income for the state's rural community.
"The selling price of avocado in the market is also quite high, besides the high local demand," added Jamawi.