It needs to be prevented from disappearing so that it can be recognized by new generations of the future

BINTULU: Native fruits that are becoming extinct need to be preserved so that the species does not continue to disappear in the face of time until it is not recognized by new generations in the future.

Tuai Rumah Banyan Mawan said there should be efforts to introduce to the local community, especially the higher education students regarding this unknown species and preserve the extinct fruit species as a heritage treasure.

He said, in this way, the community and university students will know the types of species available and apply the agricultural skills and knowledge they learn to be used for the benefit of the preservation of related species.

"Students are also able to serve as agents of agricultural development," he said in his speech at the 'Nyungkak Ka Buah Kenyalang' Program under the Service Learning Malaysia - University for Society (SULAM) Initiative at Banyan Mawan House, Selangau recently.

Earlier, 69 students of the CES2241 Agricultural Development Course Diploma in Agriculture Semester 2 Session 2022/2023 Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agricultural Science and Forestry Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Campus (UPMKB) had successfully implemented the program.

The three-day and two-night program was conducted by his advisor Dr Shiamala Devi Ramaiya and participated by 82 residents of Banyan Mawan House.

A spokesman for the organizers said the program was specifically to create awareness to the community on the importance of preserving and conserving the extinct or native fruits in Sarawak.

Among the program’s contents are the exposure of fruit preservation methods through 'seedball', crop breeding methods, preparation of crop media, 'Custom Design and Fruit Puzzle', 'Nature Walk' and others.

He said, through this programme, students are expected to improve communication skills in interacting with the public as well as create positive relationships between the university and the outside community.

Date of Input: 22/05/2023 | Updated: 22/05/2023 | lanz