KOTA KINABALU: A letter of intent has been signed between Universiti Malaysia Sabah's Sustainable Agriculture Faculty and the Sabah Durian & Tropical Fruit Planters Association (Masda) to collaborate and develop agriculture in the state.

       The initial phase will see them focusing on agronomy and the post-harvest of avocado, said faculty dean Assoc Prof Dr Azwan Awang.

       Masda is a registered association of planters based in Kota Kinabalu, whose members comprise plantation owners across Sabah.

       The collaboration is expected to benefit faculty students through field work and industrial training at Masda member plantations.

       "The faculty aims to train human resources to help improve the country's agriculture field based on the three main principles of sustainability, awareness and high technology.

       "In line with that, working with industry members like Masda will ensure the agriculture industry of Sabah can be further boosted," he said in a statement on Wednesday (June 8).

       Dr Azwan said the faculty aims to bring excellence to the agriculture sector here through innovative research activities and spreading the latest knowledge of agriculture development.