KUALA LUMPUR: Boustead Plantations Berhad’s (BPB) subsidiary, Boustead Agro Plantations Sdn Bhd, has signed a document of understanding (DoU) with Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan Kuala Langat (PPKKL) to venture into sustainable and technology-driven commercial crop market.

In a statement today, it said the DoU established the cooperation between both parties in initiating and developing a commercial crop project, namely chilli and ginger, via a turnkey basis with the utilisation of smart fertigation system and smart farming Internet of Things (IoT).

“This endeavour signifies BPB’s maiden effort in tapping into other sources of agricultural market apart from its already established upstream oil palm plantation business.

“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,” it said.

Chief executive officer Zainal Abidin Shariff said the company’s venture into the commercial crop business indicated its steadfastness in assisting the government to address the issue of food security in Malaysia.

He said this is also aligned with the company’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainability Development Goals number 2, which aimed to achieve zero hunger by 2030.

“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 said.

BPB is one of the most experienced and established upstream oil palm plantation companies in Malaysia with major shareholders consisting of Boustead Holdings Berhad and Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera.

Source: Bernama