BEBC looks forward to tie-ups with KPD
KOTA KINABALU: A delegation from the BIMP-EAGA Business Council (BEBC) visited Koperasi Pembangunan Desa (KPD) for the first time yesterday since BIMP-EAGA was incepted in 1994.
On hand to receive the delegation were the newly appointed KPD chairman, Honorsius Datuk Alfred Bosuin, KPD general manager, Kalimin Sahadi, and the KPD management team.
In his welcoming address, Honorsius expressed his happiness with the visit and the expectation that the exchange and sharing of agricultural news and development programs that has been carried out in the four countries of BIMP (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines) will all gear towards the poverty eradication program.
The visiting delegation led by Datuk Roselan Johar as BEBC national chairman, included BEBC KK district chairman cum SME association president, N K Foo, BEBC executive secretary cum legal advisor, Junzuenn Basalan, and Fahmie Abu Bakar, an agriculture expert from Kuala Lumpur to brief KPD on more specific plantings. BEBC Sabah chairman, Carl Moosom, was unable to attend due to prior commitment.
Whilst agriculture workers are hard to come by, housewives appear to be the best alternative to meet the shortfall because they are very receptive to instructions and follow orders by the book, said Roselan, adding that this was best observed at Lahad Datu where the yield of chilies planted far exceeded the normal output.
While the life span of chilli plants is around 8 months, it is found that the use of Biojadi organic fertilizer would generally prolong the lifespan of the plant and increase its yield, Roselan said in a statement yesterday..
“BEBC happens to be the distributor of Biojadi organic fertilizer. Just by planting within the vicinity of the house compound, the average household can supplement their household income by more than RM20,000 per harvest,” he said.
Roselan added that BEBC is also of the view that planting of figs should be added to the family’s portfolio as it will naturally upgrade the family income to one in the middle income bracket.
He also highlighted to KPD that they are now in talks with a China group for agricultural enthusiasts to be trained on high-tech farming and integrated distribution system.
“There will come a time where we will no longer plant just for the kampung or the city but for the entire nation and regions close by,” said Roselan, adding that Fahmie is also a fertigation expert and that agriculture farmers are welcome to refer to him for best advice.
Despite land being so bountiful in Sabah, Roselan said, BEBC has expressed frustration that not a single Government body could offer 3,000 acres of land to start the planting of hybrid Napier.
“Our investor is here with ready funds amounting to RM95 million to invest. Planting of hybrid Napier will entail hiring 250 workers with projected annual export of 5,000 TEUs per annum. By 2019, BEBC may have no choice but to go to Sarawak and try our luck there, Roselan said.
On the planting and export of the Chrysanthemum plant, Roselan disclosed that the Agriculture Department of Indonesia has offered some technical support through BEBC, and was very happy to note that KPD has truly shown some positive response to look for suitable sites in Kundasang.
N K Foo, another member of BEBC, is on hand to offer marketing and distribution advice to KPD.
“Our first exercise is to review the Moringa K production and stimulate discussions for exports to China and the rest of the world. BEBC is blessed with the expertise of Foo and we reckon we are not the sleeping giant as what others has portrayed us to be,” Roselan said.
Roselan added that Junz Basalan will on hand to exercise her marketing and publicity experience to plan marketing strategies for KPD’s exports of honey and bird nests.
On the whole, both KPD and BEBC expressed their gladness that the meeting has finally taken place and henceforth will look forward to a more fruitful future together.