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Analysis of Energy Consumption in Pineapple Cultivation in Malaysia: A Case Study

Nazri, A. M. and Pebrian, D. E.

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, Volume 25, Issue 1, January 2017

Keywords: Pineapple plantation, energy consumption, energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, mechanisation

Published on: 31 JANUARY 2017

Pineapple (Ananas Comosus), which has been identified as high-value non-seasonal tropic fruit, is one of the top five fruits in Malaysia that shows a promising demand in the local and export markets. The current study was conducted to analyse the efficiency energy inputs used in every activity involved in the process of pineapple production. The study also aimed to contribute in initiating a database for energy used in producing pineapples in Malaysia, which would hopefully become a guideline for applications in related policies in pineapple plantations. Data were collected based on direct field observations at a pineapple plantation under the management of Koperasi Serbaguna Anak-Anak Selangor Bhd. (KOSAS Bhd.) at Kg. Kundang in Selangor, Malaysia. Oral interviews were also carried out to gather any relevant information. The highest energy input used in pineapple production is fertiliser, contributing to 45.65% from the total energy equivalents used in the production. Fuel is the second highest energy source with a segment of 20.21% of the total energy, followed by planting material, agrochemicals, human labour and machine at 17.33%, 12.76%, 3.34 % and 0.69%, respectively. The ratio of energy output/inputs in pineapple production in the study area was 3.56. Conclusively, it means the energy input is effectively used in the pineapple production in the study area since the energy output/inputs ratio is greater than 1. Involvement of machinery in the pineapple cultivation practices in Malaysia is recommended since it reduces human drudgery and optimises farm"s capability to do work more efficiently and also to offset the labour shortage problem.

ISSN 0128-7680

e-ISSN 2231-8526

Article ID

JST-0565-2015

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