Boustead Plantations advances through its business diversification strategy by venturing into sustainable and technology-driven commercial crop market with the signing of a Document of Understanding (DoU) between BPB’s subsidiary Boustead Agro Plantations Sdn Bhd (BAPSB) and Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan Kuala Langat (PPKKL) today.
The DOU established the cooperation between both parties in initiating and developing a commercial crop project, namely chilli and ginger, via turnkey basis with the utilisation of smart fertigation system and Smart Farming Internet of Things (IoT).
The document was signed by BAPSB Director Khairudin Ibrahim, while PPKKL was represented by its Chairman Ab Razak Kasbollah. The signing took place at the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture, and Agrotourism Expo 2022 and witnessed by Deputy Agriculture and Food Industries Minister II Datuk Dr. Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salleh, Lembaga Pertubuhan Peladang (LPP) Chairman Dato’ Che Abdullah Mat Nawi, LPP Director-General Dato’ Azulita Salim and BPB Chief Executive Officer Zainal Abidin Shariff.
This endeavor signifies BPB’s maiden effort in tapping into other source of agricultural market apart from its already established upstream oil palm plantation business, subsequently contributing towards safeguarding Malaysia’s food security. This is also in line with the Group’s five-year Strategic Framework, an elaborated blueprint aimed at further amplifying BPB’s growth strategic thrust, which among others include agribusiness initiatives.
It also entails BPB’s commitment to cultivate commercial crop on its land, with PPKKL to provide its technical expertise, guidance and training to ensure successful cultivation.
Zainal Abidin said the DOU marked another significant milestone for the Group as it sought to expand its growth area in the agriculture industry.
“As among the reputable government-linked companies, our venture into the commercial crop business indicates our steadfastness in assisting the Government to address the issue of food security in Malaysia. This also aligns with our commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainability Development Goals number 2 which aims to achieve zero hunger by 2030,” he said.
Zainal Abidin added the commercial crop project would give great emphasis to the aspect of technology and environment via the incorporation of IoT, precision farming and strict compliance to existing regulations to mitigate any consequences to the environment.
“Guided by the Reinventing Boustead strategy, our ultimate aim is to achieve sustainable growth over the long term with adherence to the principles of environmental, social and governance,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Ab Razak lauded the signing as timely in supporting and contributing towards Government’s effort to provide a seamless supply of agriculture-based resources in Malaysia.
“We hope this partnership will open up more collaborative opportunities which will not only support our agriculture industry but also contribute to the socio-economic development of the farming community in Malaysia,” he added.
BPB is one of the most experienced and established upstream oil palm plantation companies in Malaysia. Boustead Holdings Berhad, and together with Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera, are the major shareholders of BPB.
PPKKL is an organisation established to improve the economic and social standards of farmers by increasing their income through agricultural business and creating a progressive, independent, prosperous and integrated farming community.
The Selangor-based organisation is mainly involved in the production, collection and marketing of agriculture products as well as active in its role in developing a pool of young agriculture entrepreneurs, emphasising on the use of modern tools including smart fertigation system, precision farming and IoT.
