SLDB, Diversatech to build a nanotech fertiliser plant
11 Aug 2022
The plant, once fully operational by 2023, will produce 50,000 tonnes of fertiliser and subsequently increase to 200,000 tonnes annually
Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB) would be working with Diversatech Fertilizer Sdn Bhd (DFSB) to construct a RM50 million 4.05ha high-tech nano fertiliser plant in Silabukan, Lahad Datu.
SLDB GM Syaheddrul R Joddar said the project is part of SLDB Strategic Plan 2022-2026 of developing the state’s rural communities based on agriculture.
He said the plant, once fully operational by 2023, will produce 50,000 tonnes of fertiliser for the first year of operation and will increase to 200,000 tonnes annually in stages. The plant is also expected to create 250 job opportunities for the locals.
“The construction of this fertiliser factory is in line with the state government through the direction of Sabah Maju Jaya, making the fertiliser factory as a pilot project and an agricultural hub in marketing fertiliser products.
“It also opens up space for SLDB to diversify its business activities through the sale of plant fertilisers to farms and farmers in the Borneo islands as well as international markets such as Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines,” he said during a press conference after the signing of the memorandum of understanding with DFSB.
Meanwhile, DFSB CEO Datuk Dr Muhammad Fairuz Hussain said this close cooperation relationship started with a joint effort in the field of research that examines the effectiveness of premium fertiliser products for palm oil plants that show a higher increase in yield compared to normal fertilisers.
“This nanotech fertiliser has a coating where it will not be affected in the event of rain and fertilising can happen twice a year compared to the current fertiliser that needs to be used seven to eight times a year.
“At the same time, this fertiliser also effectively reduces the attack of Ganoderma disease on young oil palm plants and it can also be used to plant fruit trees.
“Sabah must step forward by having a modern and dynamic fertiliser factory to meet the fertiliser needs for palm, rice, rubber, fruit and vegetable projects so that it can continue to provide high and quality results for domestic use and export,” he said.
Source: The Malaysian Reserve
