MOA to help turn orchards into agro-tourism destinations

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Salahuddin (centre) during the people’s feast and the launching of the Durian Landak Orchard as an agro-tourism destination in Kampung Air Putih, Pekan Nanas. — Bernama photo

PONTIAN: The Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry (MOA) will assist more fruit orchard owners to turn their orchards into agro-tourism destinations

Its minister Datuk Salahuddin Ayub said the effort would then provide additional returns to the owners and boost economic growth.

“I am not worried, there are many orchards, abandoned heritage land … we just have to give encouragement and guidance so that agro tourism really gives returns to orchard owners.

“For example, when the durian season comes to Pekan Nanas, Pagoh, and Bakri, tourists come not only to eat fruits but for vacations that will help other downstream sectors such as chalet entrepreneurs,” he said.

Salahuddin said this to reporters after the people’s feast and the launching of the Durian Landak Orchard as an agro-tourism destination in Kampung Air Putih, Pekan Nanas, here.

The three-hectare orchard, cultivated by Hadi Ahmad Sani, 40, was now a tourism package and gave a unique experience to tourists to personally pluck various fruits in the orchard for their own consumption. — Bernama