SERDANG, Sept 15 — The floriculture industry must be explored as it offers a significant opportunity to enhance Malaysia’s trade balance and boost the national economy, said agriculture director-general Datuk Nor Sam Alwi.
She said the industry has added RM2.68 billion to the country’s exports from 2018 to last year and Malaysia was ranked the world’s 10th-largest exporter of floriculture and the leader among Asean countries, with an export value of RM405.3 million last year.
“This sector plays a crucial role for our gross domestic product.
“The Agriculture Department has been tasked with emphasising the significance of the floriculture industry as a key contributor to favourable trade balance in the agricultural sector,” she added.
Nor Sam said this when met at the opening ceremony of the Agriculture Department’s agrofood floriculture “miracle garden”, a part of the Malaysian Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Show (Maha) 2024, here today.
Nor Sam emphasised the need to develop the floriculture industry to complement Malaysia’s agricultural sector. He said flowers, with their diverse properties and uses, can enhance the productivity of other crops.
“For instance, certain flowers can act as natural pest repellents. Their scents can deter pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. In padi fields, we recommend planting marigold to minimise pest-related issues,” she explained.
At today’s ceremony, the wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is also Bandar Tun Razak MP, officiated the “miracle garden”, which is one of the main attractions at Maha this year.
The garden features 100 types of colourful fresh flowers, symbolising Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity and reflecting the aspirations of Malaysia Madani for a harmonious nation.
Dr Wan Azizah also launched a book, Pakej Teknologi Tanaman Ros, published by the Agriculture Department. The book offers guidance on rose cultivation, including botanical aspects, planting practices, disease management and harvesting, and potential downstream products and financial benefits.
— Bernama
