TDM Plantation explores new development of cash crops

KUALA TERENGGANU (June 1): TDM Bhd, a subsidiary of the Terengganu state government through the company’s plantation division TDM Plantation Sdn Bhd (TDMP), is exploring a new development of cash crops, namely chilli, at Ladang Tayor near here.

TDM said in a statement on Wednesday (June 1) that the project in collaboration with the Kuala Langat Area Farmers Organisation (PPK) is in line with the state government’s plan to intensify the local agriculture sector and food industry, besides utilising areas where there is no oil palm cultivation productively.

According to the statement, PPK Kuala Langat will assist TDMP in managing the chilli cultivation project on a turnkey basis over two hectares at Ladang Tayor and provide operational and technical advisory services throughout the project period of two years.

TDM executive director Najman Kamaruddin said in the statement that the turnkey chilli planting project is carried out to optimise the use of potential areas and targeted the project to be expanded to more than 80 hectares by 2025.

He said the project was also the company's ongoing effort in diversifying its revenue streams using existing assets, as well as enabling the company to grow through challenging periods.

“While the Covid-19 pandemic has indirectly affected the country’s agricultural sector, we expect a progressive recovery in demand as businesses are now back to normal.

“We would like to take this opportunity by utilising the expertise of PPK Kuala Langat in the agricultural business, especially chilli cultivation, to maximise yields according to land area, while also contributing to the country's food security and supply,” he said.

He said the company is also looking for experienced industry partners to establish more strategic partnerships to expand chilli planting projects and tap other potential areas that had been identified.

Meanwhile, Kuala Langat PPK chairman Abdul Razak Kasbollah said his group had planted 20,000 polybags of chillies via Internet of Things (IoT) smart farming techniques.

“Our company’s smart farming system is designed to monitor crop areas with the help of sensors and automatic fertigation systems.

“This IoT smart farming technique promises premium quality and higher production yields, while reducing operating costs,” he said.