KOTA KINABALU: A letter of intent (LOI) has been recently inked between Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s Sustainable Agriculture Faculty and the Sabah Durian & Tropical Fruit Planters Association (MaSDa) to collaborate in developing the agriculture field in Sabah.

       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, where members comprise plantation owners in districts in the state.

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

       “The faculty aims to train human resource to help improve the country’s agriculture field based on three main principles – 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 yesterday.

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