ISHS Acta Horticulturae 710: International Symposium on Greenhouses, Environmental Controls and In-house Mechanization for Crop Production in the Tropics and Sub-Tropics
THE PROSPECT OF TOMATO PRODUCTION UNDER RAINSHELTER IN MALAYSIA |
| Authors: | M.A. Khairol, H.N. Auni, A. Roslina, M.S.M. Redzuan |
| Abstract:
Malaysia is net exporter of fresh vegetables. However Malaysia still imports certain vegetables especially temperate ones, those that are not technically and economically viable to be produced locally. Domestic demand keeps on increasing due to a rapid increase in population and change of eating habit and life style (health conscious). The per capita consumption has increased from 27.3 kg in 1982 to 39.3 kg in 2000, and further increased to 45.8 in 2001. Due to trade liberalization, there will be an influx of vegetables, including tomatoes into Malaysia. Hence, this will have strong impact on the local tomato industry and imposed stiff competition to local growers. Growing tomato under rainshelter system is one of the effective technological solutions to the low quality and productivity. Recently, MARDI has developed an efficient tomato production system under rainshelter. The financial analysis has shown that the average yearly net income for one hectare of tomato under rainshelter system was RM 69 469 as compared to only RM 25 992 for the conventional system. Therefore, the production of tomatoes under rainshelter should be encouraged in Malaysia as to keep domestic tomatoes industry to remain viable at competitive price in the future. | |
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